---I may be able to help.  When we bought our '88 2.5 years ago, the shifter
felt like it was lubed with roofing tar.  All of the bushings that support
the shifter rod do need to be cleaned and lubed, but I found that the key
was the "ball and socket" on the tranny end of the linkage.  Ours had a torn
rubber boot which had allowed the lube to become contaminated with
everything imaginable.

Besides removing, cleaning and relubing with synthetic grease, I also
replaced the torn boot.  To avoid paying dealer prices and to try to avoid a
recurrence, I went to a local speed shop and purchased a hot pink urethane
flex boot intended for a monster truck shock absorber.  Minor revisions
(like a rubber bushing to accomodate different diameters, and a tiny SS hose
clamp) and the problem was solved.
been that way for almost 2 years.

Good luck- let's hear how you make out.

Gary

>Greetings  all,
>I have an 82 vanagon which is not shifting well.  When I stop at a light
>I have trouble finding first gear.  The archives point to the linkage
>and mention replacing all the bushings at the shifter and the
>transmission.  The dealer said he thinks it is the tranny.  The rear
>portion of the linkage to the transmission is 140 bucks.  The other
>piece by the transmission is another 40.  I'll try cleaning and
>re-greasing first.
>
>Anyone experience this problem.  Will removing, cleaning and lubrication
>fix it?  I also read in the archives to grease the bushings where the
>linkage crosses through the frame. The center linkage joint is above the
>gas tank which Bentley says to grease.  The shifter bushings could also
>be a factor.  At this time I plan to remove it all and clean and grease
>all joints.
>
>Any insight or ideas are greatly appreciated.
>Ken Wyatt
>82 westy
>