Manual shifter mystery - Update

[SJ]

Original problem: 88 5kq
1. flaky shifting into 5th
2. lots of play in neutral

Latest news:
1. The nylon bushing in the connection rod(48) was shot. It was not even
attached to the rod, but was laying on top of the transmission case.

2. I levered the other end of the connection rod off the ball joint using a
big screwdriver.

3. My local audi parts supplier had the nylon bushings in stock. The FA
calls the bushing a  "ball socket". There is no item number for this part
because it is part of the connection rod. But, the parts list shows the
bushing as a un-numbered item listed underneath the connection rod. The part
number for the bushing is 803-711-279 E. The price for the connection rod
with bushings is $40! . . .I got the bushings for free . . .had to fix his
computer . . .but I think the bushings only cost maybe $1 each.

4. Getting the old bushings out of the connection rod . .and new bushings
into the connection rod is easy . . .the nylon bushing is very malleable. A
little pushing with a large screwdriver was all that was needed. I put a dab
of white lithium grease inside the bushing.

5. Mounting the connection rod back onto the ball joints is a BITCH! There
aint no room up there. This is where I'm stuck at.


The bushing itself looks like those things used in windshield wiper
linkages. You use big channel locks to press and snap the bushing onto the
mating ball joint.
On top of the transmission, there is no room for your hands much less any
tools.

I can get more room for my hands by taking out the port side tranny mount.

I think I can get a pair of pliers to snap the bushing onto the ball joint
on top of the selector shaft.

But, getting at the bushing on the other end is a nightmare. I was thinking
of unscrewing the ball joint from the tranny and pressing it into the
bushing outside the car. I would then screw the ball joint back into the
transmission. Looks like enough room for a wrench if you can get both hands
up there.
Once the back end of the connection rod is secured, I can snap the other end
onto the ball joint on the selector shaft with vice grips.

Does anyone have any BTDT info on how to do this?

SJ
85 Dodge PU, D-250, 318, auto
85 Audi 4k - - sold but still on the road
88 Audi 5kq
90 Audi 100q