shifter messed up, no 1st, 3rd, & 5th!

[Eric Maxon]

CC> Anyway, right now the shifter just has a ton of play
CC> between where the topmost gears are and the bottom (you also have to
CC> really pull it back to get to 2nd and R, but not 4th as much) and it
CC> feels like it would need an extra inch or two of forward play in order to
CC> be able to select those top gears

CC> Chris
CC> '91 200q20v - grounded

Chris,

      There is a metal "connecting rod" with plastic socket ends that
      runs between a ball stud screwed into the top of the trans case,
      and a similar ball stud at the business end of the main shift
      rod.  All this stuff is EXTERNAL.  The purpose of this
      connecting rod is to translate lateral (left-right) movement of
      the shifter into rotational movement of the end of the shift
      rod, so as to move the selector shaft (that goes into the trans)
      in and out.  The plastic ends often pop off or break when
      someone is brutal w/ the shifter.  The suspect part is
      431-711-429B and lists for more than $50.  You can pay, order,
      and wait, or you can make one by sawing a MUCH cheaper VW A1/2
      rod (part # = ???, but I know they mad a straight metal rod w/
      plastic ends for either the 4 or 5sp 020 trans), threading the
      ends of the shaft 1/4-20, the put them back together w/ a 1/4-20
      threaded rod coupler. (this will allow you you adjust the length
      to match the original / spec in the manual.)

      Good luck.

      Eric.

-- 
Best regards,
 Eric                            mailto:aud at ivwnet.com