Is it possible you can put up a picture of were the shifter is in relation to your hand while driving. By the way this van is my dream van. Congrats.
I just returned with my van yesterday and I'm and happy with my purchase even though it needs some improvements. It accelerates strong 20 psi, and the shifting is fast, and often in town. Turbo, injectors, and pump recently replaced. I ran 75-80 most of the way and hardly any extra throttle needed up average Iowa grades. Geared higher, it could drive faster but the gearing is low. 85 was spinning a bit to fast for my liking even though it would jump to that speed easy with 3/4 throttle. Never floored it. I haven't had time to look at the van much since my basement flooded a inch while I was en-route and the wife couldn't figure out how to tap the float switch of the sump pump free. But I did get pics of the shifter and peddles and will say the shifter could use a touch of straightening because second gear taps the seat belt buckle when shifted. Its close to your hip if your my size. All the other gears are easy. The clutch felt perfect. Linkage looks custom but not sure.
Like I said.. I'm psyched out and feel like I lucked out on this van. Now I can justify spending the money I saved.