Have you tried adjusting the plate at the base of the shift lever?
see:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/34.4--34.12-Gearshift-Lever,-Adjusting173.htm

John Meeks
'91 Vanagon MV
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com

On Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 7:42 PM, John Carpenter <yacoltyayhoo@gmail.com>wrote:

> Hi Pete,
> I would highly recommend Terry K's parts.
> And, he has come up with some highly innovative parts through
> research and development over the years !
> When I switch to a manual I will definitely be buying his tranny linkage
> bushings !!!
> Good prices, ships on time, knows his stuff !!!
> Of course, the shifting box and shaft needs to be in good shape as well.
> It may need Repair/ Welding & Renewal.
> Yacolt YayHoo...
>
> On Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 2:14 PM, Antony P Marsh <apetermarsh@me.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Learned Bretheren
> >
> > After being in "the shop" since early February - my Vanagon is on the
> > road.  Not totally finished but looking fabulous and still needing lots
> of
> > "little bits" to make her complete.
> >
> > BUT - my gear stick is not responding the way it should.
> > When I'm stopped - I think I'm in first but when I try to move off I find
> > that I'm in third.  When I think I'm in second - I actually in fourth.
> >
> > The only way to get into first is to move the gear lever into third, down
> > to second and then into first.  This works most of time.
> >
> > Suggestions to "remedy" this development if you please.
> >
> > I looked at those little VANAGON SHIFT SHAFT BUSHINGS here
> > http://community-2.webtv.net/VanStuff/VanagonWestfalia/
> > and wondered if I should try this fix.  Again - I am sure this is not the
> > first time this has happened so if you can help please drop me a note.
> >
> > Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers.
> >
> > Peter Marsh
> > Naples FL
> >
>