Neil,
the 83 and later linkage doesn't use the bushing above the gas tank.  You
can just bend that out of the way if installing a complete 83 and later
linkage and trans.

I just looked at an 82 body - there the shift rod above the gas tank comes
out of that round hole above the aft edge of the fuel tank, that's where
you'll install the 85 linkage bushing - looks like the nut plates are not
installed in the body there for the bushing bolts, but it won't be
impossible to deal with.

you should run into an issue with your front trans mount.
the front mount brackets that bolt to the nose of the trannies  are
different - the early mounts with 3 bolts, the later with 4.
I think you will find that the stock waterboxer 83 and later front
transmission mount bracket is  'too long' fore-aft wise, and some
fabrication will be needed there.

I think the DK might have a higher top gear ratio, overall, in 4th, compared
to the 83 and later 4 speed.  Though Frank says letting 'er spin with high
revs is fine, even beneficial.

Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: "neil n" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2010 2:31 PM
Subject: Swap Entire '85 Shift Linkage into '81?

> Hi all.
>
> My air cooled transmission has a "whirring" noise likely indicating an
> inevitable failure. One that might render it UN-rebuildable before
> then. So before I start tearing into things, can I:
>
> Swap in an entire '85 shift linkage and transmission. (from shifter in
> cab to transmission itself. Does the '85 bushing fit in cross member
> hole above fuel tank?)
>
> Or...
>
> Swap in rear portion of '85 linkage and WBX transmission only.
> (Bentley shows a 2nd bushing for rear portion of linkage. Is there a
> hole in cross member for this bushing?)
>
> The '85 linkage has more parts (more maintenance down the road) but I
> understand it's an improved design. Besides. The bushing above fuel
> tank on my '81 is nearly worn out. Though I bet something could be
> substituted, I understand it's NLA. It seems all the parts are still
> available for the WBX linkage.
>
> A while back, someone (Scott?) kindly replied to me a while back about
> swapping linkage systems. I just can't find the reply in my Gmail, and
> don't recall if that person referred to the entire linkage or part of
> it, so apologies in advance.
>
>
> Thanks!
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines