My shift linkage rod is bent, and I was wondering if it is possible to replace it without having to remove the tranny.

Thanks for any information in advance,

Rip

 

If you're refering to the rod that connects the shift lever to the tranny, then yes, it is possible.

 

Dave,
Think so? I can't figure how to get it out without pull thing the tranny. This is the 5ft long back rod we are talking about. If you do know how please explain.

 

Thank you Dave and M758 for taking the time to reply. Just to confirm, I am talking about the 5 ft. rod that connects the shifter to the tranny.

If someone has replaced the sift linkage without removing the tranny, I'd really appreciate it if you could provide a little feedback as to how it was done. This info will not only help me, it will also help others in the future with the same problem.

Rip

 

Unbolt the shifter, unbolt the rod, manuever down into the t tube tunnel and down around the t tube, pull forward to disengage from the tranny, then back to the rear end of the car and out. I can't remember how many brackets and stuff (but not the tranny) you'll also need to remove, but IIRC it can be done. I did it on my 82 931 this last winter so it's old guy memory here. The tranny was up and everything bolted in. I found I had grabbed the wrong shifter rod (early and late are different) and installed it. I realized the mistake when going to finish up the job by attaching the shift lever to the rod (last thing). I did get it out without removing anything but some brackets and following the steps listed above. I really didn't want to pull the tranny I just installed. It's amazing how two totally different shift rods look the same length in sub freezing temps.

 

Hmm
Thanks for the input Dave. I Rip I guess you can give it a try. I do believe that all 944 shift rods are the same. I bet the 924 rods are different due to different tranny's within the model range.

 

There is a difference in the snail shell and the audi unit as far as shift rods go. I'm thinking that the shift rod difference is an early/late thing as well since the 82 931 is essentially an early 83na underneath. The extra rod I had came from a late car, maybe someone with PET can confirm the pn between the models for the shift rods. I know the tranny mounts are different.

 

IRRC, the 951 shift rod IS bent a little from the factory, about 1" back from the shifter. Isn't it???

I can't imagine how it would otherwise get bent.. The only reason I could see to replace it would be if the hole at the end where it meets the shifter is worn beyond repair.

 

Rich, I think you are correct, the 951 part does have a kink in it.

 

Thanks Rich for bringing this issue up! Can anyone confirm that there SHOULD be a bend in the shift rod for non-turbos?

I recently got in an accident, and I had to remove the drive shafts to test the tranny. With the drive axles off and the shifter in neutral (meaning the leather booted shifter) , the the tranny still spins like it is in gear. This is the only abnormality I could find with the tranny. Therefore, I checked the shift linkage rod for problems hoping that it was the cause. This is when I saw a bend in the rod, and I assumed this was a result of the accident.

If there is supposed to be a bend, then Rich you saved me the agonny of pulling out the shift linkage rod only to notice the same bend when getting ready to install the new one!

 

He mentioned 951, in your sig, you have a 88na. The 951 is a turbo car.

IIRC- there is a slight bend on the late rod, more like an offset. If you got hit hard enough to bend the shift rod, I doubt that we'd be even having this conversation, since the shift rod lies adjacent to the t-tube, inboard of the passengers and driver.

 

Yeah! If the accident resulted in the shift rod being bent between me and my passenger and I was posting messages on Rennlist, it would definitely be time to call Ghostbusters!

I took a turn too fast in my 86' 944, slid sideways, and hit a tree. The impact point was the passenger side rear quarter panel and wheel. The impact turned my CV boots into little pinatas filled with shattered metal and bearings. I was thinking that when the transmission slammed sideways during impact that the shift rod might have been bent at the transmission.

If the shift rod is now ruled out as the problem, does anyone have any suggestions on why neutral isn't working? Is the slow spinning of the flanges normal when in neutral and the drive shafts are off?

 

Yes, that is just some mechanical drag in the system. Even so, get a good set of axles, put the wheels back on and test, you may yet have some internal trans damage.

 

Yes, there is a bend in the front most part of the rod, where it attaches to the actual shifter ****, from there back though, it is just a straight tube.

 

I've seen them with an couple of offset bends in them. My brother's 88na is like that.