Jill:

On the earlier Vanagon 091 trannies, the spacing/alignment of the shift
forks is critical for proper operation. If you have this tranny (I'm not
sure when the switch occurred), if the GM dealer did not have a fixture
to check the forks, all sorts of shift problems will be evident.

On the later 091-1 trannies, the alignment of the shift forks are not
adjustable. This makes the tranny easier to rebuild. If you have the
later trans (Check Bentley or look on the side of the trans case), the
problem is most likely the shift rod that runs from the shifter to the
trans. It is a 2-piece rod with a coupling - There is a fair amount of
adjustment then can cause shifting/engagement problems there.

Good luck and let the list know what happens!

TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com

Jill Foco wrote:
> When I bought my 85 Vanagon last fall it supposedly had a recently re-built
> transmission (done by GM dealer), but last week it popped out of fourth
> gear while driving and continues to do so.  Second gear has always been
> difficult to shift into.  I used a bungie cord to stay in fourth gear as I
> was facing a 1600 mile drive home, and it worked.  Seems to be no problem
> other than it won't stay in fourth gear.
>
> My question:  What are the potential problems here?  What might have to
> happen to get it fixed?
>
> Thanks for listening.
> Jill