I did that as well, but also found that the interior dimension of the 
aluminum "egg cup" that the ball fits into was enlarged a good bit, 
maybe almost 3/16 inch total. There's no telling how much shifter 
travel that translates into.

Jim

On Apr 24, 2005, at 3:05 PM, jimt wrote:

> On 4/24/05 13:42, "Jim Felder" <felder@KNOLOGY.NET> wrote:
>
>> The archives have a good bit of information about repairing the 
>> various
>> shift components. There's a ball joint under the shifter, a ball joint
>> outside the transmission case and some U-joints in between. They can
>> account for a lot of accumulated slop.
>>
>> However, replacing the offending parts on my vanagons didn't solve the
>> problem. I had them adjusted at a good shop and have been very happy
>> with the results.
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> On Apr 24, 2005, at 1:27 PM, Aaron wrote:
>>
>>> Just a quick Question for an '85 Manual. I would like to improve the
>>> shifter feel and ease of shifting. What would the best approach be? 
>>> My
>>> first gear is hard to get into and overall shifter feel isn't all 
>>> that
>>> tight. Has anyone used a shifter rebuild kit?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> Aaron
>>>
>>
>>
>
> When I replaced my tran it came with the new plastic balls on the tran
> linkage.  I noted a change in my shift play after the install.  It was
> smoother and not as sloppy.
> ����������������������������������������
> jimt
> Planned insanity is best.
> Remember that sanity is optional.
> http://www.tactical-bus.info (tech info)
> http://www.westydriver.com
>
>
>