When my first gear dissapeared, it was solved by replacing my shift
bushings, and the ball joint/socket at the transmission. The shift bushings
were WAY out of round, which allowed the shift rod to move side to side,
with a fresh set of bushings at least, you might be in good shape.
Lubrication also helps, ALOT.
If you've never lubed your shift bushings, DO IT!!!!!

-Craig
'85GL

On Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 3:02 PM, Brendan Slevin <totorovan@gmail.com> wrote:

> Well, it seemed to help a bit, maybe i just need to keep experimenting with
> it.
> Brendan
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 11:05 AM, John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > On Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 1:12 PM, Brendan Slevin <totorovan@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> > > I am looking for tips on where to begin adjusting my shifter.
>  Everything
> > is
> > > great but 1st.  It's only in the last day or two it is getting stuck on
> > its
> > > way up to first.  I can finagle it a bit an it goes.  I had my wife get
> > in
> > > and shift it up and have it get stuck, looked in the shift box and saw
> > where
> > > it is getting stuck against the driver's side metal thing (for lack of
> a
> > > better term.)  How and where do I adjust it so it won't hang up right
> > there?
> > >
> > > Brendan Slevin
> > > 84 GL Totoro
> > > Bend, OR
> > >
> > Brendan,
> >
> > Have you tried adjusting the plate beneath the shifter boot? There are
> > two nuts holding the plate. Put marks on the plate to note the current
> > position. Loosen the bolts and tap the plate toward the drivers side
> > just a bit. tighten nuts and check. You may have to try a few
> > positions till you get it right.  Let us know if this takes care of
> > the problem.
> >
> > John Meeks
> > '91 Multivan, '85 GL bits
> > Northern Michigan
> > KC8ZFN
> > Vanagon Rescue Squad
> > http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
> >
>