Hello
  I just did this in my 87 syncro and it helped.  The parts are specific to
vanagons, but they are available thre the vw dealer for pretty cheap.  This
is a fairly common problem and my dealer stocked the parts.  I paid 22
dollars for all the replacement parts at a local dealer in boulder and the
job is pretty easy.   This will most likley solve your problem.  Pull up the
rubber boot at the end of your shifter and see if the parts are broken.
Mine were completly shatered and i had a crapy time shifting.
Later,
Adrian
>From: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen1@HOME.COM>
>Reply-To: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen1@HOME.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Shifter parts for Syncro
>Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 10:22:52 -0800
>
>The shifter on my 5-spd (Syncro) seems to have a lot of side-to-side play
>when in gear and in neutral.  In looking at the Bentley, I see several
>plastic parts that look suspiciously like the shifter guts of my old
>Scirocco.  Any suggestions on what needs replacing to tighten up the
>shifting?  (I just had the linkages adjusted by a very competent mechanic,
>so I am confident that is not the problem).
>
>If replacement of the parts is suggested, anyone know the part numbers?
>Are
>they the same as in the Scirocco/Rabbit?
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>Brent Christensen
>'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
>Santa Barbara, CA

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