Speaking of transmissions adjustment...
I just replaced all the bushings and boots on my 87GL  shift linkage.
I am confused as to how to adjust. Thought I followed the Bentley instructions right,
but now (although the shifting is really smooth!) I can only get it into 3 and 4 gear.
It will shift into the 1 and 2 positions, but it is engaging 3 and 4.
Found it hard to adjust the "band clamp" connection. Should I really open this up until
it fits loose? I can't seem to get it to fit back on as far as it was...Any ideas on
this?
Thanks!
Tony
-------------------------

Randy Bergum wrote:

> Hi Vern:
>     My '90 van used to buzz too.  There are at least two ways of buzzing:  Rattling
> linkage from engine vibrations, and a poorly adjusted linkage that causes pressure on
> the transmission shift forks while in gear.
>
>     The first problem happens if there is a lot of wear on the bushings and U-joint.
> I think that the shift linkage transmits vibrations from the engine, and may resonate
> itself.  Check that all bushings for the shifter are not worn excessively, then grease
> them with moly grease.  If you use a needle attachment on the grease gun, just pull
> the boots and shields back and inject a fair amount of lube, mostly filling the boot.
> The buzz should go away and the action will smooth out considerably.  These bushings
> really do need grease about every 20k, same as filter changes.
>     The second problem happens when the shifter is not adjusted right.  At the
> connection with the band clamp, you can twist the shafts to align the transmission
> with the front gate box under the stickshift in front.  If this is not done right,
> pressure is applied to the shift forks, and they make a slight grinding noise.  You
> can check this out easily by trying each gear one at a time:  Drive in first gear,
> then push the stick down as if you were going to go into first - don't put the knob
> into the neutral gate.  Carefully and slowly push the stick sideways in each
> direction, and listen if the transmission noises go away on one side, or get louder on
> the other.  If so, you will need to rotate the joint a little to align it.
>     Hope this helps......
>         Randy Bergum.
>
> are forced to
>
> Vernon Craddock wrote:
>
> > Hello all,
> >         Last Thursday, I changed my transmission fluid to Redline MT90.  I noticed
> > an immediate improvement in shifting.  Then, Friday I had a 2 hour road
> > trip.  At one stop, the transmission repeatedly ground trying to get into
> > reverse.  I tried it three times, each time, it ground then went into gear.
> >  I was concerned, but it has not repeated since.  More concerning, I now
> > notice that First and Second gears, a buzzing sound comes from the stick
> > shift.  The sound goes away if I pull stick towards the steering wheel.
> >  First buzzes intermittently, Second buzzes whenever under load.  Arghhh!!!
> > What have I done?
> >
> > Do I need to adjust the linkage?
> > Adjust the plate at the base of the shifter?
> > Why would changing the fluid cause this to appear?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Vernon
> > '90 Standard Vanagon