"I am considering getting the Short Shift for the Vanagon that is
currently on sale at Volkscafe"

Phil,
I did this and like it a lot. I did not install the extension that raises
the knob about 5-6" because that just negates the throw-distance. I have
long arms and the slightly lower height of that is no problem for me. The
knob gets elevated a couple inches with the installation of the kit anyway.

Result is shorter shift throw, crisper shifting. Easy to install too, a fun
project.

Bob
'87 Westy Syncro