Use this topic for sloppy gear changes, missing gears, worn bushes, selector balls, lower gearstick bushes, linkage adjustment questions and photos of the linkage fitted to your van.

Start with the full Handbook guide:

VW T4 Gear Linkage Problems: Sloppy Gears, Missing Gears & Bush Repair

When posting a problem, include the year, engine, gearbox code if known, which gears are affected and whether the change is sloppy, stiff or both. Photos of the linkage are especially useful because T4 linkage arrangements vary.

If the linkage is healthy and you want a shorter lever throw, see the linked Just T4s Short Shift Mod guide.

This discussion accompanies the Just T4s short shift guide. The modification relocates the gearstick-side mounting point on the swivel bracket approximately 35 mm inboard on the linkage arrangement covered by the guide.

Read the full step-by-step guide first:

VW T4 Short Shift Mod: Shorter, More Positive Gear Changes

Important: repair worn linkage bushes before carrying out the modification, and check your bracket matches the guide before drilling.

Add your engine, gearbox, before/after impressions and photos below. This will help build a useful compatibility record across the different T4 linkage versions.

This pinned index is the quickest route to our workshop guides. The full illustrated versions live in the Just T4s Handbook, while the forum threads are where members can ask questions, add tips, show their own work and discuss alternative setups.

Workshop sections

🔧 Servicing & Maintenance
⚙️ Engines & Fuel
🌡️ Cooling
🛞 Suspension & Lowering
🚦 Brakes
⚙️ Gearbox & Short Shift
⚡ Electrical & Diagnostics
🚐 Camper & Leisure Electrics
🔨 Bodywork & Interior
🧰 Tools, Parts & Recommended Products

Current guides

🛞 How to Lower a Volkswagen T4 Properly – front torsion bars, rear lowering springs, clearance checks and wheel alignment.

More guides will be added here as the Just T4s Handbook grows.

The T4 uses front torsion bars and rear coil springs, so lowering it properly is different from fitting a conventional four-corner coilover kit.

Difficulty: Moderate
Typical time: 3–5 hours plus wheel alignment
Front: Torsion bar adjustment
Rear: Correct lowering springs for the van and axle load

The full illustrated procedure, safety checks, setup advice and common mistakes are in the Just T4s Handbook:

VIEW THE FULL LOWERING GUIDE

Use this thread for questions, photos of your setup, spring and damper experiences, ride-height measurements and anything useful that can help another T4 owner.