yes, you can.
if lengths are right on the rear shift rod/shaft ..
then it's a bolt-in.
the 5 speed shift box will work with the 4 speed..
or worst case, run it without the shift box under the shifter for a while.

so as long as the distance to the shifter on the rear rod is the same,
....it'll work fine.
You'd need the right 4 speed front trans mount of course.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jake de Villiers" <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2010 1:51 PM
Subject: 4 speed/5 speed shifter

> Hey gang, its become apparent that my low mileage 5 speed transaxle has a
> dead bearing and needs to come out.  I guess I'll put the 4 speed back in
> so
> I can drive it 'til the 5 speed's fixed.
>
> Can anyone tell me if I can use the 5 speed shifter rod and box to operate
> a
> 4 speed without too much awkwardness?
>
> Thanks a lot, Jake
> --
> Jake
>
> 1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
> 1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'
>
> Crescent Beach, BC
>
> www.thebassspa.com
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27