I have an 81' AC and it shifts fine.

Bear in mind that aside from clutch componenents, and assuming engine
runs well, there's basically 2 different systems that would affect
tranny shifting. The linkage and the tranny itself.

When I first got mine, the linkage felt tight. i.e. gearshift moved
less easily than it should have. The gears worked fine (tranny system)
but even I, as a newbie Westy owner, noticed the shifter was stiff.

Two things that helped.

- changing the tranny oil to a better type. I believe mechanic put in "Moly G"

- Shifter was lubed "front to back"

Originally the front tranny mount was suspected, by me, to be causing
stiffness in the shift linkage. The mount was shown as "broken" in the
inspection report I had done before buying van. I figured the tranny
was sagging enough to affect shift linkage. Of course after getting
into wrenching on this van myself, I could see that the front tranny
mount wasn't broken. It was lube and gear oil change that fixed it.

There are reasons one might avoid purchasing an AC van. It all depends
on your situation and preferences. I can say for sure that it's
getting a little more challenging to find parts for the AC 2.0 That be
reason enough for some to stay away.

I intended to buy a diesel, but found this 81 with a good body, and
engine for a reasonable price. I have no regrets!

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil

On 7/20/07, Kai Mei <kai@newclear.us> wrote:
> Go westy writes:
>  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> additionally, the first stab at the 4-speed shifter system was a
> complete failure and was totally re-designed with the introduction of
> the gasoline water-cooled model in late 1983
>
>  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> What's your guys take on it? Should the A/C be avoided for this reason?
>
> Thanks.
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil