Trans problems?

[Gene-C]

First off thanks to everyone who has ever answered one of my many questions. After all the hard work my buggy is on the road. My next issue come from my tranmission. I have never had a VW before so im not sure how the trans shifts. The problem is 1/3 & 2/4th gear are so close together that im having a hard time driving it after 3 weeks on the road. Also i have to push it in to 1st and 2nd gear, and it seem like 1st and 2nd gears arnt in the same place everytime. Is this normal? Sometimes i really have to fight it get it into 1st gear, even while at a stop sign. Any info would be great, im just wondering if this is normal. Thanks

[jsturtlebuggy]

What kind of shifter are you using? If it is a stock shifter is the reverse lockout plate installed correctly? What looks like a ski slope should be on the top and towards the right side. Is the shifter coupler that connects the shift rod to the transmission worn? This is under the cover near the rear of the tunnel behind the front seats. Are the transmission mounts worn allowing the transmission to move around while the engine is running? Is the shift rod bushing in the tunnel worn out? This the bushing that if you remove the shifter you can see part of it behind the rear shifter mounting bolt. Some cheap aftermaket shifters can cause problems with shifting. I know you are new but if you can supply some more information and where you are there may be someone that can help you out.

[shaihulud]

The shifter coupler at the front of the gearbox can be worn and not appear to be. A new one will be needed to be sure that you can fix the problem as comparing a new one and an old one can sometimes show little difference between them, but "Vive la difference!!!"

[Gene-C]

Yes i was thinking the problem may be a worn part or linkage. I just didnt realize there was that much to the linkage. The trans sounds fine when you get into gear, but getting it there is the hard part. I will look into the linkage ware and see what that brings me. Thanks