vw shifter issue fix

this is how I fixed my sandrail shifter. hope this helps you....

[nmartin]

Thanks for taking time to share your experience. I’m battling shifter on a 75 Vw bus with shifter difficulty.

[drummerhire]

I was deep in the trail the first time I had a shifter issue. I went to shift from 1st to 2nd and all the sudden the shifter jammed and popped up and wouldn't move. I simply just removed the shifter and everything went back into place. Except to my horror, I lost 3rd and 4th gear. I had to limp home over 30 miles only to find that it was a simple fix of just loosening up the base of the shifter and realigning as you showed. Also, I just installed a brand new shifter and for some odd reason it goes into reverse easier without pushing the shifter down. My previous shifter did the same thing and I have a new lockout plate installed and messed with all kinds of positioning but that's just the way it is. You definitely have one crispy shifter there that's impressive.

[alastairpether]

Thanks, had the same problem changing to an EMPI shifter on a Chesil Speedster (replica). Will now try fitting it again with some metal taken out of the plate...

[patoconnor]

Thank you for the tips. Could not get into 1st gear. Sliding the shift plate back helped

[crazytestpilot]

The only adjustments needed are of the shift shaft length and side to side settings. It is possible to to have it seem to be working well but if the gears aren't FULLY engaged this can destroy the gears in your trans . No grinding necessary, just adjust the shaft as needed and make sure the shifter doesn't hit the side of the box. Use the bushing, it is critical. Any slop in the shaft anywhere is very bad.

[frog]

Shift bushing is Empi 16-5101 for anyone wondering since no one bothered to post that.

[danleach]

I wondered if I could pick your brain a bit? The issue I'm having with my sand rail shifter is the pattern doesn't seem to be lining up correctly. It goes into reverse to easily without having to push down on the shifter. Also first seems to be next to impossible to find. I've tried adjusting the shift plate over and over and still can't solve it. My buddy and I changed the front mount out to accept a trans strap kit with mid and rear mount. Everything worked perfect before we took it apart but now it doesn't work a bit. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

[mikekelso]

Hey Massis32210, Is it possible to have the shifter in the 2nd gear position but actually be in 1st gear?? I have had linkage problems but right now the shifter is stuck in what looks like to be 2nd gear but if I drive it it will only get 18-20 mph the start winding out?? thanks MK

[spdnotch]

Hey I replaced the shifter bushing and the shift linkage piece under the rear seat with empi parts poly on my 74 and what a pain in the rear. Problem is I figured I would try the empi short shifter that you have and can’t catch 1st and 2nd. I put the stock shifter back in and it shifts perfectly. I called jbugs that I ordered the parts from and he said it’s a matter of a millimeter Of alignment. I’ve been into cars for a long time and I messed with the shifter for a while now and can not get 1st and 2nd.

[kellyokamoto]

On a '73 is the shifter supposed to spring back to the middle in neutral and NOT slop side to side? I see your shifter looks nice and tight and seems to have some springiness to it. I'm extremely unfamiliar with bugs-can you tell? Thanks

[MrEldjhectic]

Dudeee u saved me so me some much time thanks

[Jackdaniels]

i took my old shifter off which went into all gears and reverse replaced it with this same shifter without the plate goes into 1st thru 4th flawlessly however i try to go into reverse and it doesnt quite get there any ideas ive tried to move it around with no luck got it into reverse but it pops out i can put my old one on which i dont like and it goes right in!

[richarddputnam]

ive got a vw trike and when i shift to the left or right the ball comes out of the socket. Is there a spring that holds it in?? Thanks

[claybradley]

I'm working on a hack job of a rail. My clutch won't engage. I can start it in first and float to 2nd but 3 and 4th are a no go

[slowdart]

Can you do a clutch bleed/adjustment video

[tmsrsm]

Hey man! I'm looking for the bracket that mates on the shifting box that the shifting shaft goes through. I think you said that was an EMPI 9213, but I can't find it. Do you have that part number?