Gear linkage, and the art of stirring porridge...

When I took it apart, I did think it was one of those quick shift thingies (hadn't expected to find one!). The mushroom is still there under the shaft gaitor. Sadly, as posted earlier, the spring pin that keeps the gear lever from rotating is no longer there. It was, but now it's not. I didn't hear it drop, and I was being mindful of it, but gone it is. Annoyed with myself.

 

I do have a front belly pan. I guess it could be caught up in it, although I've had a tap around and cant hear anything moving in it. I've looked all over the driveway underneath the van with no luck.
I'll have a go at removing the belly pan on Saturday.

No, only reverse required pressing down. I didn't realise I had one to be honest.

There sure is. I think the fact that I took it apart in neutral without thinking about the position of the socket made it harder; putting it in 1st I assume would be the done thing, so the socket is further back and easier to get to? Just need to find the pin, or get a replacement. Dammit.

 

As an absolute worst case

Ah okay. The socket would be very far forward on mine then... it was partially under the cab floor in neutral.
It all relies on finding the pin or getting a replacement. As a worst case scenario, would the pin from a LHD stick work? They appear to be available on VWH etc, where RHD sticks aren't. I'd prefer not to go down the EMPI shifter route, and stay with stock if possible.

 

I have to admit to getting rather disheartened once the pin dropped out and disappeared, and after the fruitless searching with a torch, I couldn't face looking - especially as it was pitch dark. I think anything more complicated than reassembling the stick (if I can find the pin) may be beyond my current capabilities, so my aim is now to get it driveable and then take it to someone who knows what they are doing. It would be worth replacing the rods and couplings back as far as the gearbox now I would think. I'm not sure I'm up to it myself!! Especially as I'm on me own without a 2nd pair of hands / eyes / brain.

I like your optimism. Thank you

 

Thanks Art, gratefully recieved.

 

The torch I was using is one of those extendable magnetic jobbies, so I've hoovered up every little metallic piece of dust inside the cab to no avail. I did a quick sweep underneath, but will try harder in daylight on Saturday (good call on the speaker magnet!). I think logically it must be in the belly pan. Not got a decent set of axle stands but thankfully stock height might just do a simple job like that (simple? Is anything simple??! )

 

Is that one of those spoons that has a corner on one side? I can't use them coz I'm left handed