Volkswagen Repair: 5th gear popout, auto salvage yards, steering colum

Question
There are some worn out bushings in the linkage above the tranny. I will be replacing those.

I may need the tranny replaced and would want a used one. What years and models would work ?

I know the 89 Cab was based on the Rabbit, but there was no rabbit after 85.
So which model years of Cabriolet would work ?

The VW dealer says that 88 and 89 are identical engines and trannies for sure and possibly 85-89, but they do not know for sure.

Any advice ?

-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
My girlfriend's 89 Cabriolet 5-spd started popping out of 5th gear yesterday.

Today, it seems to be stuck in gear or something - it stalls out when clutch is released. Can't seem to get it to go even when slipping clutch.

Gearshift move around when clutch is in, but some of the gears do not seem to be available (feels like clutch is out when you try to use them).


Answer -
It sounds like the shifting linkage came apart -near the steering colum in the engine compartment..  have some actuate the shift lever while the other has head under the hood.  The arms pop on to the silver knobs.  Start there.  Inside those knobs goes a nylon cup (work kinda like your elbow joint) tightens up the shifting like new.  Gotta replace all of them to make a difference.  Also makes the shifting more accurate.

Answer
Dealer sounds a little on the lazy side here as they got it in books, but seeing that there is no money in it for them they won't say shit.    Check with the auto salvage yards.  These guys got books too and should be able to give you the info you need.  If yer not into trusting one place go to another and ask the same question ...if the answer is the same then you know.  They gotta supply them to mechanics when the mechanics are looking for a tranny.  Best bet.   You might look into replacing the clutch disc at the same time.