I have a kit to rebuild the whole front shifter.  It includes all of the
plastic and rubber parts that you are going to need for $71 and the part
number is shifterkit1 in the webstore.  That is the way to go if you
want to do this job once and not worry about it for many years to come.
If you are in a jam I would grab the whole shifter from the parts van
and then install it as a unit.  But understand that this unit is
probably ancient and can fail at any time as well.  You won't believe
how good your van shifts when you have all new parts in the front and
also rebuild the rear linkage (shifterkit2).  It will shift so smooth
and nice you will think you are driving a new van!

Let me know if I can help you further,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

David Wilhite wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I've had some problems shifting lately, so I pulled my shifter apart.  I found the lower ball half disentigrated and since I don't have a replacement part in hand, I've got some questions.
>
> Can somebody send me a drawing from ETKA (mine still won't work)?
>
> Are there any alternatives to replacing this part with something else a little more substantial?
>
> Is this same part used on other VW's?
>
> I've got a Pull a Part auto salvage yard within driving distance that has an 84' Vanagon, but I have no idea what's left on it.  That'll be my last resort if I have to, but I'd rather get a new piece (today of course, since this is my daily driver).
>
> Thanks,
>
> David Wilhite
> 84' Westy
> Middle TN
>
>