Will this Gear Shift Lever fit my specific Vanagon model?

This lever is a direct-fit for all 1984-91 Vanagon manual transaxles (except factory 2WD 5-speed) and all 1986-91 Syncro 4WD. If you have a 1980-84 model, you will need to update to a late-style shifter system to use this part.

How is this heavy-duty lever different from the original VW design?

Unlike the original hollow design, this lever is made of solid steel to prevent catastrophic breaking. It also replaces plastic bushings with a CNC bearing block made of black anodized aluminum and includes a grease fitting for better durability.

Do I need to drill any holes if I want to use a short shift kit?

No drilling is required. The lever features machined dimples for the spring stop collar—a lower dimple for standard shifting and an upper one for short shift kits. It is ideally paired with the GoWesty Swift Shift kit.

Is this Gear Shift Lever difficult to install?

It is a direct-fit replacement that requires no modifications to your Vanagon. Customers have reported that it is easy to install, even for those with limited mechanical knowledge.

Gear Shift Lever (Heavy-Duty) [Late Vanagon] | GW-251-711-121E

Name: Gear Shift Lever (Heavy-Duty) [Late Vanagon]
SKU: GW-251-711-121E
Price: 90.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Gear Shift Lever (Heavy-Duty) [Late Vanagon]

Product:	GW-251-711-121E
Works With:	1984-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Good Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$90.00

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The original VW-designed gear shift lever was a solid performer, but after decades of reliable service we are seeing a significant number of catastrophic failures. There are few things quite like a broken shift lever to spoil your weekend away, so we set about to produce a smart and durable replacement. Our design addresses the inherent weaknesses of the original design while simultaneously incorporating some very clever updates.

Features:
• Solid steel instead of hollow. No more breaking!
• The lower cross-bolt, spot-welded tube is replaced with a CNC bearing block made of black anodized aluminum, complete with grease fitting. No more plastic bushings!
• Machined dimples for the spring stop collar. The lower dimple for standard shifting, and the upper for “short shift” kits. Ideally paired with our GoWesty Swift Shift kit, or use a different brand without having to drill. No drilling? Yee-haw!
• Finished in black electrophoretic plating. Sleek and durable!

Fits:
• All 1984-91 Vanagon manual transaxle except for factory 2WD 5-speed
• All 1986-91 Syncro 4WD

Note for 1980-84 vans: Early Vanagon models typically have a 12mm shift lever. If you have an early van, you will need to update to a late-style shifter system to use this shift lever.

This GoWesty shift lever is way smarter, less than half the price of what some competitors get for a copy of the original design, and is a direct-fit. No modifications needed to your Vanagon. What’s not to like?!

5 stars: 3 (60%)
4 stars: 2 (40%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

good value

This shifter was perfect! My original shifter snapped at the Ball, no clue how or why but unfortunately it did. I have been looking to get the heavy duty shifter since it was the last piece in my shift linkage to be swapped out. This heavy duty shifter came with marks for the swift shift kit to easily install and it feels really nice and heavy duty. Great buy highly recommend

Lovely, but

It is a lovely item, but the set screw that came with it isn't pointed to match the pre-drilled "dimple" in the rod - it has a flat end.
It also stripped out with what wasn't a lot of torque.

Looks and feels great

Easy to install and looks great.

I have near zero mechanical knowledge or aptitude but I was able to install this pretty easily...well after installing it backwards at first. This thing is solid and looks great. It's easily scuffed so be careful when installing,