Jim, I would replace the plastic ball on the shift lever and the bushing
that is nearby as well.  I have all of these parts OE, VW as a kit for
$185.  I think I have two kits left and then we will start selling the
aftermarket version of the cup because so far the OE linkage cup isn't
available.  You can order this through my website.  The part number is
shifterkit2 in the web store.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Jim Johnston wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> We are talking about my 4 Speed 1991 Vanagon GL with a 2.2 Subie located in
> Wilmington, NC.
>
> My shifter locked up last week.  I tracked the issue to a broken ball on
> Shift Lever.  I'm in process of ordering a replacement and wondered "since
> I'm there" should I replace the Selector Lever.  Picture of the part I'm
> talking about:
>
> http://picasaweb.google.com/inmytree1/SelectorLeverVanagon#5468141455866530002
>
> I also pulled the middle shift bushing (the one behind the gas tank) and it
> looked ok, no cracks or anything, but it was fairly pliable.  Should that
> bushing be really super hard, or is a bit of movement normal?  (I did read
> the recent long thread about that bushing, but that never really had any
> comment on this question).
>
>
> Jim
> Wilmington, NC
>
>