Will this Shifter Tab Repair Kit work on my 1983 Vanagon with a 4-speed manual transmission?

Yes! The kit fits 1980-91 2WD and 4WD Vanagons with 4-speed manual transaxles, including early 'pre-1984' models that use the smaller tab. Just make sure your Vanagon has a manual 4-speed transmission.

Do I need any special tools or skills to install this repair kit?

Not at all. The kit comes with everything you need, including epoxy, and is designed for easy installation. Many users report a straightforward DIY process without needing metal pins or complex tools.

How does this repair kit improve shifting compared to other fixes like heat shrink tubing?

Our kit features durable 3D printed glass-filled nylon parts that replace the worn vulcanized rubber ears, restoring smooth shifting with a long-lasting repair. Unlike heat shrink tubing, it provides a precise fit without temporary fixes or compromises.

Is the Shifter Tab Repair Kit made in the USA, and how does that affect quality?

Yes, it's proudly made in the USA using quality materials. This ensures you get a reliable, durable product designed specifically for Vanagons, which means better compatibility and superior performance compared to generic parts.

What should I expect in terms of shifting feel after installing this kit?

Most customers notice a significant improvement with smooth, crisp shifting. The worn or broken 'ears' causing sloppy shifts are replaced with sturdy new parts, making your gear changes feel firm and precise again.

Shifter Tab Repair Kit | Easy Fix for Shifting Issues

Name: Shifter Tab Repair Kit
SKU: GVW-SHIFTER-TAB-KIT
Price: 20.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Shifter tab kit with epoxy, two white tabs, wooden stick, Super Lube packet, and white pad

Shifter Tab Repair Kit

Product:	GVW-SHIFTER-TAB-KIT
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Good Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$20.00

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The shift selector shaft in your Vanagon came from the factory with small vulcanized rubber "ears." Over the years, these ears get worn away or broken completely off, and that really affects your shifting. We used to recommend that people use heat shrink tubing to "build back" these ears and that was a good temporary fix, since there was no other option available (other than finding a less-worn shift shaft). See additional photos for visual detail.

This high-quality replacement kit is a game-changer, as far as your shift selector shaft is concerned. Kit includes everything you need to fix those tabs once and for all. If you've already installed our rear shifter fix kit and our front gear shifter repair kit, this is the next logical step to shifting magic!

NOTE: Our kit includes the needed epoxy for the job!

Made in the USA.

Cool fact: These parts are 3D printed in super durable glass-filled nylon.

Now, you may be wondering: Why is there no metal pin like before? By making the shifter tabs out of a plastic that is compatible with adhesive, the pins are no longer needed. This equals added savings, which we pass along to you!

5 stars: 29 (94%)
4 stars: 2 (6%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Vanagon shift tab kit

Hello,

I was watching a video of a guy putting the full gowesty shift rebuild kit on his van.
The issue is my van is too old for that kit but I noticed that the shift forks were all the same.
I checked mine and the plastic was missing.
I ordered it and it went on ok.
Directions were confusing for me I used the guys video to figure out what tab went were.
There is a large one and a small one.
It works better than before and more heavy duty.
I would recommend and maybe watch the guys video on YouTube.

Shifts like new!

Shifting was getting pretty sloppy due to missing tabs so I installed new ones. The fit was perfect and it was a easy job. Now the shifting is tight and precise. Thx GW!
Here is what the shift fork looked like prior to cleanup and tab install.

Shifter repair works great, the updated shaft coupler is a big assist.

Works well

Makes this repair very easy

Easy-to-follow instructions and quick installation.

Good

Was having issues shifting. Determined that the tabs were missing. Ordered the kit, installed and it is working perfectly!

Easy fix. Took the slop out of shifter. Shifting is so much smoother.

Thanks, my parts were totally degraded

We love these kits.

Worked as it should

Simple install to replace old broken tabs.

GREAT SERVICE EVERY TIME I CALL AND ORDER PARTS ALSO THE CUSTOMER HELP ON PHONE WHEN NEEDED IS TOP NOTCH

Easy to install. Make reverse feel strong and locked in. Great upgrade with swift shifter kit complimenting it.

Mike Hanson

Perfect. I now have reverse in detent.! It makes it nice to drive again.

Me Pete king

This product worked great, easy to do.

Great Fix

This kit solved the shifting problems quickly, waiting for the epoxy to dry was the most time consuming. The bushings fit snuggly and worked flawlessly.

Steven

Quality product exactly as advertised

Great product!

Fixed the slop! Thanks!

Nice

Well done!

Shifter tab

Had to file one of the post to allow the tab to slide on easily. Went on nicely.

Ehhh…

The plastic tabs are way over priced for what they are, and the epoxy took way too long to set. Drop the price on the tabs and let the commoners use their own damn epoxy.

Great product

Fast delivery.

Too much play in the shifter

This was crazy easy to install and made a huge difference

Nice tabs

Better than the ones with the metal pin, easy install

Great kit

Dramatically improved my shifter feel. Much less travel side to side. If you're like me the tabs were completely gone and it'll help a ton

Solid

Shifts great now

Shifter Tab Repair Kit

If you need it, you need it. Good quality and price.

Shifter Tab Repair Kit

Im pretty sure your original shifter tabs are dust so this kit is a must have when rebuilding the shifter assembly. Easy to install and once the epoxy dries its solid! Made a big difference in the feel and function for my shifter.