5 speed tranny problem

[burn_your_money]

The 84 rabbit diesel I am looking at has a 5 speed tranny. The thing is it only goes into 2nd and 3rd, and possibly reverse (I'm not sure). He says it's just bushings, what do you guys say? Is this an easy fix? Can someone give me an estimated timeline for a first timer?

[Mr_Diesel]

There are 2 shift linkages. One of them moves the transmission shifter side to side, and the other one pulls the shifter back while moving from side to side... If the linkage that pulls it back is broken or unhooked, you should only get R, 1, 2 and 3. Get in there and ensure that the little plastic thing on the end of the linkage bar (about 7 inches long) is attatched to the metal knob on the tranny.

[burn_your_money]

Ok thanks, the car is still 6 hours away from me, I was just making sure that the tranny wasn't finished.
This shouldn't take long to fix right?

[Slalom]

yup as diesel said... get under the hood and check all the linkage... ive never seen a mk1 with really good working shift linkage, they rot/break/disintegrate...

[Gotturbo]

all the caddys my familly has owned we never had any problems.

[vwcrazykid]

As mrdiesel said check all the bushings etc but also check the shifter rod(big black rod that goes from the gear box to the engine bay)and connects to a piece that looks like thishttp://www.germanautoparts.com/image/B1317910101671159316it's a pita to align properly because you have to drop the exhaust system.