I just had the same problem.  After extensively searching the archives, then
crawling under the van and fiddling with the various linkages, I managed to
make the problem slightly worse.  (Did I mention that Syncros are a PITA to
work on?)

So, I brought her to my local shop (Cory Motors, Santa Barbara CA), and they
replaced a pin at the transmission end of the shift linkage, then adjusted
it up.  Voila!  It works beautifully, and it only cost me $45 Parts and
labor.  :-) A bargain, if you ask me, especially since I probably spent an
hour grunting an getting filthy only to make it worse!

Brent Christensen
'89 Syncro Westy "Klaus"
'91 Taurus SHO (For Sale)
'95 Cherokee Sport

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Dierze
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Monday, April 26, 1999 11:46 AM
Subject: Shifting problem with 88 Westy (standard)

I've been away from the list for quite awhile.  Good to be back.

My standard transmission 88 Westy has developed a nagging problem.  Shifting
from Neutral to first has become next to impossible.  I always have to go to
second and then up to first.  Even at a standstill.

I've greased the junction box near the spare tire which seemed to help a
little but not enough for my wife to say the problem has stopped.  Shifting
to other gears is not impeded in either direction (except for getting into
first).

Any thoughts...

Thanks.

Paul Dierze
88 Westfalia
Massachusetts