You going to start building these things I  think I am in the same boat as you. I got an 82 still shifts sloppy and noisy sounds like a moose mating or something when I shift..(not that I really know what that sound slike I swear)
 

I few people on Samba have been looking for a fix (me included) could make a few bucks on it??? :)
 
As for the older model bushing I believe Terry Kay on samba makes these as does Van-Cafe I believe.

 

> Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:50:33 -0400
> From: mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM
> Subject: Re: Shift rod bushing
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> At 11:26 AM 9/16/2010, Tom Young wrote...
> >I have a feeling that I need to do that job, too. Where does that
> >bushing live under the van? Gas tank removal necessary?
> 
> Yes, ouch. Which is why longevity is desired in the replacement.
> 
> Note that I've got an '81. They changed the design in '84?, and the
> newer design uses 2 bushings (one in the same spot, the rear one you
> might be able to get to without removing the tank), which are somewhat
> spherical on the outside, and are held by brackets which allows them to
> move into alignment.