Will this Shifter Repair Kit fit my Vanagon?

This kit fits 1980-1991 Vanagons. However, it's crucial to measure your gear shift lever diameter before ordering. This kit is specifically designed for shift levers with a 14mm diameter. It fits both 2WD and 4WD models, including Campmobile and Westfalia sub-models, but the shift lever diameter is the deciding factor.

Is the installation of the Shifter Repair Kit difficult?

Installation of this kit could require some modifications, such as drilling. The kit includes essential parts to restore shifter precision. While installation is possible for DIY enthusiasts, we recommend professional installation if you're not comfortable with potential modifications. You will also need to reuse your original ball housing.

What's included in the Shifter Repair Kit, and what problems does it solve?

The kit includes a ball socket, spacer sleeve, rubber mount, spacer ring, pressure spring, threaded pin, and hardware. It's designed to fix a sloppy or vague shifter feel in your Vanagon, restoring precision and improving your driving experience. By replacing worn-out parts, this Shifter Repair Kit helps you get crisp, accurate gear changes again.

Shifter Repair Kit (Front) [Vanagon] | 251-798-116A-AM

Name: Shifter Repair Kit (Front) [Vanagon]
SKU: 251-798-116A-AM
Price: 42.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Shifter Repair Kit (Front) [Vanagon]

Product:	251-798-116A-AM
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	Quality Aftermarket
Availability:	Only 1 Left in Stock!

$42.95

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Are you tired of that vague, sloppy, third-is-sorta-over-there feeling in your shifter? Get some precision back in your life!

Kit includes: ball socket, spacer sleeve, rubber mounting, spacer ring, pressure spring, threaded pin, and assorted hardware.

The ball housing from your original shifter assembly should be retained and reused with this repair kit.

Installation Note: Some slight modification may be required for installation (may need to drill out some of the bolt holes). If in doubt, we recommend having this kit installed professionally.

Fit Note: This kit is for 14mm diameter gear shift levers ONLY. It will not fit the 12mm shift levers originally present on some early model vehicles. Please measure the diameter of your shift lever before ordering.

5 stars: 26 (90%)
4 stars: 1 (3%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 1 (3%)
1 star: 1 (3%)

Poor fitment, need to use old parts to make it work

The dimensions of the replacement steel housing are incorrect, it is 1/8" shorter than the original, which causes the stack up of spacers to come out the bottom, disallowing proper installation. GW support was responsive but didn't have any advice other than to use the original housing instead of the one I paid for. I know this is an aftermarket supplier that GW resells, but it really hurts the GW brand to deal with these poor quality 3rd party parts.

Perfect

Great

Took the "slop" out and made shifting so much smoother . perfect fit.

Straightforward job, no surprises. I soaked the black rubber part in a warm-water bath to help make it a bit more pliable. Everything went together easily after that

So convenient to have all parts for this upgrade.

Works great 👍🏽

Wished the little plastic tabs came with the front kit. Not the big kit.
Also, could find directions or one of your videos how to instal I just figured it out.

stiffens it alll up

Easy repair to do. I changed out all the parts. Works lije it's new after final adjustments.

Metal shifter base is too short

The metal shifter base that came with this kit is 3mm shorter than the one that I removed from my van.
Because of this, the plastic seal ring on the bottom protrudes, and the assembly cannot be bolted to the short-throw shift kit plate. I have a photo of the difference in height, and I measured it - 39.8mm vs 42.8mm.
I'll use the old base, because I both don't want to wait for a replacement, and I don't know if the replacement would be the correct dimension.

excellent

fixed front end shift slop - also discovered previous owner didn't put all the parts in right. Note assembly takes strong hands

Tricky assembly, but much improved shifting

Replaced the bits in my 83 wbx shifter with this kit. Was definitely all original parts 40 years only. Hardest part was getting the assembly together (fighting the spring trying to fling it all apart) and then getting it into the new metal housing. Found a short piece of PVC (can't recall the size, maybe 1.5 or 2") was perfect for smacking it into place with a rubber mallet.

Steven

Great kit with all I needed

Nice kit

Well done as always

Great Kit

I used this to help with some sloppy shifting in my bus. I need to do the full kit to work on the rest of the shifter system. Patiently waiting for them to come back in stock.

Now I can shift

Making sure everything was where it was supposed to be and calibrated correctly was very important.

Shifter assembly

Quality parts fast delivery

Excellent product

I recommend this kit if you have issues shifting from second to first or if your tranny or clutch feels loose.
Now my 85 westy shifts like new.

Quick and easy fix

This was an easy and must do fix on my old shift system. shifting is tight and feels way better.

Good company. to do business with.

I have purchased from them for several years and all transactions have been handled well and they deal in quality products at a fair price. Thanks guys!

So happy!

My westfalia was so worn out on the gear shift, now she is tight and ready to go. So happy!

Gear Shifter Repair Kit Front

Very close to OEM. Easy to install but expect to wrestle the nylon bits into place as they are intentionally tight. Use lots of grease. Do not use white lithium grease on these parts ever. Last guy did on mine and it was like a hardened paste. Had to chip off. You Tube is your friend if you have doubts on how to install.

Messy but worth it!

If you are re-building the shift linkages and levers, this is a must too! You'll get covered in grease, but it's not too difficult to do.

Work as it's intended,no issues whatsoever

Plastics looks and feels a little cheap compared to og parts

Great kit to fix your sloppy shifter!

Great kit

Gear Shifter Repair Kit - Front

If you are in the process of rebuilding your shifter assembly this kit is a must have! It came with all of the necessary parts needed to properly rebuild the front shifter. Shifting now is smooth like butter.

Excellent

Did this along with replacing the Shifter System Overhaul Bundle. Pretty simple and doesn't take long.

Tighten up the shifter

The shifter had been a bit sloppy and this kit tightens it up. I had put in a Boss deck with 5" tilt-able screen and would hit it with my hand when shifting to 3rd. This kit solves that issue as there is less travel on shifting so I don't accidentally mute my sound anymore!