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  1. #1
    Veteran Member Four Rings nnnick's Avatar
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    Nov 01 2005
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    8598
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    2006 S4 6MT
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    La Jolla, CA

    JHM Short Shifter Final Adjustments / Fine Tuning Help Needed

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    So I'm very close to getting this bad boy dialed in, but not quite there. I'm able to drive around just fine, but 1st/2nd is a little off - if I pull the shifter all of the way towards me (far left) it won't go up/down into gear. I have to more gently pull it towards me (about 85% furthest to the left) and then it will slip up/down into gear just fine. So I think what that means is I need to make a little extra room for the linkage on the left side by shifting the entire assembly to the right a little further - is that correct? I find if I move the assembly further to the right; however, I can't get into reverse anymore, ditto 6th. I notice JHM and a couple forum posts recommend the front/back adjustment bolt to be about 1/4" from the very front of that bolt, but I'm much further forward than that - I think this is just my car though, as when I was 1/4" back I couldn't even get 1/2 gears close...

    I watched the videos a few dozen times and tinkered for a little over an hour before deciding good enough, but am hoping to find some time this weekend to get the final 10% of adjustment needed to be perfect. Advice appreciated.

    Lastly - what spring is everyone running? I kept with softest one, but see a lot of folks run the medium one. What is the advantage exactly?

    Background: yes, I have watched the videos, read the instructions, and done a search. Apologies if this has been covered, and I appreciate any tips or advice anyone has

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  2. #2
    Veteran Member Three Rings mistral cytz's Avatar
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    Nov 13 2013
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    I just installed my JHM shifter today and it was definitely one of the bigger PITA jobs I've done since it was so finicky getting it all back in and adjusted properly. I thought I had all gears including 1st and 2nd operating smoothly and then when I went for a test drive down the road and pulled right up to the curb anticipating a smooth shift to reverse so I could turn around and continue my test drive I found reverse was totally missing! I basically then pulled out my iphone and started re watching the JHM fine adjustment video while sitting with my car right up against a curb that was on a downhill grade with my headlights shining right in someones living room windows trapped until I adjusted the linkage to regain reverse.

    Anyways, I loosened up the linkages and set the stick to basically 10 degrees aft and 3 degrees right as per one of the videos and then set the lower aluminum sleeve to almost cover the entire shaft below and then moved the upper settings to about 75% aft position. Long story short if you just keep trying to adjust two linkage settings to how the videos describe you will get it operating smoothly. As you know it's a very fine line between reverse and 1st and 2nd being smooth. I have it now set so that my 1st and 2nd are very smooth and reverse is ever so slightly notchy to find since 1st and 2nd are used way more and need to be useable quickly. Loosen bolts and make small adjustments, tighten and try it out, then repeat until you get it perfect is all that I did.

    I'm still leaving my shift knob and boot off with no insulation installed etc, and my tools on my passenger side floor for a few days of driving in case I want to make any further adjustments.

    I am running the stock feel spring. The stiffer springs are their for more aggressive shifting styles so you won't accidentally select reverse while shifting to 1st or maybe 3rd but I don't see that happening.
    2007 Ibis White S4 6MT Sedan. Fast Intentions 2.5" HFC downpipes and resonated catback, JHM Short throw shifter. JHM intake manifold spacers.

  3. #3
    Veteran Member Four Rings JKnight41's Avatar
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    Oct 11 2012
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    102018
    Location
    Southern Illinois

    Glad to see you finally got one!!! My advice is, shift a bit to the right, and where the shifter meets the shifter rod, tighten it amost all the way to the back of the rod. That is what made it work for me. It is a B**** sometimes, but so woth it... Adjusting the shifter to the back of the rod actually made mine work more so than left or right adjustment. Good luck! also, I have a tendency to push dow when I am shifting, so I run the medium spring. Which is nice, but sometimes it is hard to press in for reverse.

    Edit; Wondering how the F you got your ashtray out without removing the radio?
    -00 Hibiscus S4 Sedan (FOR SALE)
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  4. #4
    Junior Member Two Rings Ferdevo03's Avatar
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    Oct 10 2013
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    2007 RS4, 2016 Range Rover Evoque
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    Nnick, did you get the complete Trio Package? I'm just about to place an order on this but, undecided to just get the short shifter kit with the delrin bushings. So many mixed reviews from the other forums- looking forward to your review when your all done .. Any chance you can post a short video of how much shorter the throw is?
    2007 Daytona Grey

  5. #5
    Veteran Member Four Rings JKnight41's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ferdevo03 View Post
    Nnick, did you get the complete Trio Package? I'm just about to place an order on this but, undecided to just get the short shifter kit with the delrin bushings. So many mixed reviews from the other forums- looking forward to your review when your all done .. Any chance you can post a short video of how much shorter the throw is?
    Get the trio for sure. The solid linkage will launch your shifting experience to the next level.
    -00 Hibiscus S4 Sedan (FOR SALE)
    -09 Audi S5 / SOLD
    -01 Audi S4 Avant / SOLD
    -04 Audi S4 / SOLD
    -00 Audi S4 Stage 2 / SOLD

  6. #6
    Veteran Member Four Rings nnnick's Avatar
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    Nov 01 2005
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    2006 S4 6MT
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    La Jolla, CA

    Quote Originally Posted by mistral cytz View Post
    Anyways, I loosened up the linkages and set the stick to basically 10 degrees aft and 3 degrees right as per one of the videos and then set the lower aluminum sleeve to almost cover the entire shaft below and then moved the upper settings to about 75% aft position. Long story short if you just keep trying to adjust two linkage settings to how the videos describe you will get it operating smoothly. I'm still leaving my shift knob and boot off with no insulation installed etc, and my tools on my passenger side floor for a few days of driving in case I want to make any further adjustments. .
    Awesome, exactly what I needed. Going to give it a round 2 and see if I can improve :)

    Quote Originally Posted by JKnight41 View Post
    Glad to see you finally got one!!! My advice is, shift a bit to the right, and where the shifter meets the shifter rod, tighten it amost all the way to the back of the rod. That is what made it work for me. It is a B**** sometimes, but so woth it... Adjusting the shifter to the back of the rod actually made mine work more so than left or right adjustment. Good luck! also, I have a tendency to push dow when I am shifting, so I run the medium spring. Which is nice, but sometimes it is hard to press in for reverse.

    Edit; Wondering how the F you got your ashtray out without removing the radio?
    I'm actually already at the back of the rod, but I think this gave me some ideas to keep testing. In terms of the ash tray, I didn't have any trouble whatsoever. I've heard it's supposed to be hard, but mine just popped out?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ferdevo03 View Post
    Nnick, did you get the complete Trio Package? I'm just about to place an order on this but, undecided to just get the short shifter kit with the delrin bushings. So many mixed reviews from the other forums- looking forward to your review when your all done .. Any chance you can post a short video of how much shorter the throw is?
    I just went with the SS only (no trio). I'm sure the trio package was great but the install is not very DIYable from what I've ready - gotta drop the downpipes to connect to the transmission. I figured I could always add the other components later, but the short shifter kit was a good start (and affordable, DIYable).
    Current: 08 R8 6MT, 14 Cayenne GTS, 98 Saleen XP8
    Past: B7 RS4, '12 Audi TTRS BT Build | 2006 Audi S4 HPDE Build | 2006 Audi A4

    Visit my blog: NicksCarBlog.com

  7. #7
    Junior Member Two Rings Ferdevo03's Avatar
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    Oct 10 2013
    AZ Member #
    124722
    My Garage
    2007 RS4, 2016 Range Rover Evoque
    Location
    IL847

    Hey nnick,
    Just wondering how you like this kit, any positive or negative feedback compared to stock?

    Thanks in advance.
    2007 Daytona Grey

  8. #8
    Veteran Member Four Rings 65vetteC6's Avatar
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    Jul 28 2007
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    19879
    My Garage
    V8's
    Location
    In an Audi

    I'm on stiffest spring, just helpful for aggressive shifts to prevent you from pushing down the shifter.

  9. #9
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings Jake@JHM's Avatar
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    C7 A6 3.0T Prestige - AEV JKUR
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    Did you ever get this adjusted to where you like it? If not let me know!

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  10. #10
    Veteran Member Four Rings nnnick's Avatar
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    Nov 01 2005
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    2006 S4 6MT
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    La Jolla, CA

    Quote Originally Posted by Ferdevo03 View Post
    Hey nnick,
    Just wondering how you like this kit, any positive or negative feedback compared to stock?

    Thanks in advance.
    I LOVE this kit. It feels so much better than stock, it's crazy. Huge improvement to drivability...my only complaint (that others have said before) is that it could be shorter...but I like the length, it feels more OEM like. I've driven aftermarket short shifters that are so short you can barely tell the gears apart - this is still plenty long enough to feel comfortable shifting and really feels like an OEM shifter could/should feel like. I sat in a 2015 STI with the OEM Subaru short shifter and it felt comparable to that, if anything the Subaru was slightly shorter. Absolutely great feel, nice for both daily driving and spirted driving alike.
    Current: 08 R8 6MT, 14 Cayenne GTS, 98 Saleen XP8
    Past: B7 RS4, '12 Audi TTRS BT Build | 2006 Audi S4 HPDE Build | 2006 Audi A4

    Visit my blog: NicksCarBlog.com

  11. #11
    Veteran Member Four Rings nnnick's Avatar
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    Nov 01 2005
    AZ Member #
    8598
    My Garage
    2006 S4 6MT
    Location
    La Jolla, CA

    Quote Originally Posted by Jake@JHM View Post
    Did you ever get this adjusted to where you like it? If not let me know!
    Been too busy to give it another shot, but I'm sure I'll figure it out :)
    Current: 08 R8 6MT, 14 Cayenne GTS, 98 Saleen XP8
    Past: B7 RS4, '12 Audi TTRS BT Build | 2006 Audi S4 HPDE Build | 2006 Audi A4

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  12. #12
    Senior Member Two Rings DTMOOOO's Avatar
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    Sep 16 2006
    AZ Member #
    11556
    Location
    Westchester NY

    Pull out the climate control and ashtray, takes 2 mins and makes adjusting it 100x easier.

    For me when i was doing it the way the video suggested with the wobble and other extentions i could never get the silver plate on the linkage to sit in the spot i wanted.
    06 JHM S4 -Sold
    98 TJ Wrangler
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  13. #13
    Veteran Member Four Rings nnnick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 01 2005
    AZ Member #
    8598
    My Garage
    2006 S4 6MT
    Location
    La Jolla, CA

    Quote Originally Posted by mistral cytz View Post
    I just installed my JHM shifter today and it was definitely one of the bigger PITA jobs I've done since it was so finicky getting it all back in and adjusted properly. I thought I had all gears including 1st and 2nd operating smoothly and then when I went for a test drive down the road and pulled right up to the curb anticipating a smooth shift to reverse so I could turn around and continue my test drive I found reverse was totally missing! I basically then pulled out my iphone and started re watching the JHM fine adjustment video while sitting with my car right up against a curb that was on a downhill grade with my headlights shining right in someones living room windows trapped until I adjusted the linkage to regain reverse.

    Anyways, I loosened up the linkages and set the stick to basically 10 degrees aft and 3 degrees right as per one of the videos and then set the lower aluminum sleeve to almost cover the entire shaft below and then moved the upper settings to about 75% aft position. Long story short if you just keep trying to adjust two linkage settings to how the videos describe you will get it operating smoothly. As you know it's a very fine line between reverse and 1st and 2nd being smooth. I have it now set so that my 1st and 2nd are very smooth and reverse is ever so slightly notchy to find since 1st and 2nd are used way more and need to be useable quickly. Loosen bolts and make small adjustments, tighten and try it out, then repeat until you get it perfect is all that I did.

    I'm still leaving my shift knob and boot off with no insulation installed etc, and my tools on my passenger side floor for a few days of driving in case I want to make any further adjustments.

    I am running the stock feel spring. The stiffer springs are their for more aggressive shifting styles so you won't accidentally select reverse while shifting to 1st or maybe 3rd but I don't see that happening.
    Dude, I can't thank you enough for this. I went out, followed your tips and got it within 20 minutes. Woohoo! 1st and 2nd is now soooo much smoother. Reverse is a little notchy but it was always kinda notchy anyway (that's the whole point!), and not a bother at all. Here is my final bolt locations...



    Full review coming soon...
    Current: 08 R8 6MT, 14 Cayenne GTS, 98 Saleen XP8
    Past: B7 RS4, '12 Audi TTRS BT Build | 2006 Audi S4 HPDE Build | 2006 Audi A4

    Visit my blog: NicksCarBlog.com

  14. #14
    Veteran Member Three Rings mistral cytz's Avatar
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    Nov 13 2013
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    129861
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    Toronto

    Quote Originally Posted by nnnick View Post
    Dude, I can't thank you enough for this. I went out, followed your tips and got it within 20 minutes. Woohoo! 1st and 2nd is now soooo much smoother. Reverse is a little notchy but it was always kinda notchy anyway (that's the whole point!), and not a bother at all. Here is my final bolt locations...



    Full review coming soon...
    Feels great when you finally get it perfect!

    Your picture will help many others who come across this thread.

  15. #15
    Junior Member Two Rings Ferdevo03's Avatar
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    Oct 10 2013
    AZ Member #
    124722
    My Garage
    2007 RS4, 2016 Range Rover Evoque
    Location
    IL847

    Thank you for this picture. Just placed my order for this and looking forward to the improved feel.

    Just curious if your still happy with it.
    2007 Daytona Grey

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Four Rings nnnick's Avatar
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    Nov 01 2005
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    2006 S4 6MT
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    La Jolla, CA

    Quote Originally Posted by Ferdevo03 View Post
    Thank you for this picture. Just placed my order for this and looking forward to the improved feel.

    Just curious if your still happy with it.
    Yep, still pleased as a peach
    Current: 08 R8 6MT, 14 Cayenne GTS, 98 Saleen XP8
    Past: B7 RS4, '12 Audi TTRS BT Build | 2006 Audi S4 HPDE Build | 2006 Audi A4

    Visit my blog: NicksCarBlog.com

  17. #17
    Established Member Two Rings
    Join Date
    Jun 24 2009
    AZ Member #
    44172
    Location
    MN

    Old thread bump.

    I installed my shifter yesterday and after hours of adjustment I found this thread. That picture is spot on.

    Pro tip: the shifter base spacers... superglue them to the car. Just a dab of glue to keep them inplace. Made the install of those super easy.

  18. #18
    Veteran Member Four Rings fR3ZNO's Avatar
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    Feb 09 2013
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    WNY

    necrobump...

    Been noticing 2nd is tough to get at high RPMs now that I've attended a few autocrosses, I guess I will have to give these adjustments a try. I only eyeballed the angles for the shifter rod on my initial install.
    Last edited by fR3ZNO; 06-13-2017 at 01:31 PM.
    "If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." - Ferdinand Porsche

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