Broke shifter support rod, any better options than oem?

[killerkali]

Hey all, today I broke what I believe is referred to as the shifter support rod. Runs from the shifter box to top of tranny. Was able to drive home by just holding the shifter box in place as it was sliding forward/back tons. Question is there any better options than just sourcing a used oem one? I can't really trust that piece now that I've seen a stock one break, there was lots of corrosion on mine also where it snapped. Also curious if anyone has been able to replace this with motor/tranny still in car. I found a few older threads and some were able to, any input is appreciated.
My broken rod


Where it broke for reference.

[zillarob]

Jeebus Is your tranny jacked up or something that it puts that much stress on that part?!?! Ive never seen one broke there.

There is an early and a late. If it was bolted to the wrong step, it will bind on the tranny right near the break.

JHM trio kit is prob what you seek.



On 2nd look, that is the upper rod in the shifter box. Have seen one of those wiped out because of a bad shift collar requiring the "Fist of the Thor" shift technique.

[01audia4]

Must have those power shifts

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[Bordom]

Jeebus Is your tranny jacked up or something that it puts that much stress on that part?!?! Ive never seen one broke there.

There is an early and a late. If it was bolted to the wrong step, it will bind on the tranny right near the break.

JHM trio kit is prob what you seek.



On 2nd look, that is the upper rod in the shifter box. Have seen one of those wiped out because of a bad shift collar requiring the "Fist of the Thor" shift technique.

He's got an early shifter

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[killerkali]

Jeebus Is your tranny jacked up or something that it puts that much stress on that part?!?! Ive never seen one broke there.

There is an early and a late. If it was bolted to the wrong step, it will bind on the tranny right near the break.

JHM trio kit is prob what you seek.



On 2nd look, that is the upper rod in the shifter box. Have seen one of those wiped out because of a bad shift collar requiring the "Fist of the Thor" shift technique.

No idea, I'm hoping there isn't an issue with it. My shifter is pretty notchy and has always been that way, I believe the PO installed some JHM parts but I cant identify what they are.

He's got an early shifter

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How can you tell from that first pic?2nd pic isnt mine. I thought i had a late style after looking at the JHM diagrams because I dont see a plastic end on my cross rod.

[Bordom]

How can you tell from that first pic?2nd pic isnt mine. I thought i had a late style after looking at the JHM diagrams because I dont see a plastic end on my cross rod.

I thought the second pick was yours lol.

But yeah, if you don't have the bridge on top of your shifter you have the later one


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[killerkali]

Anyone know the part number for that stabilizer rod or how i can find it?

[zillarob]

Knowing audi, it prob comes with the trans

Id hit up scotty at advanced, or audis for parts.
I may have some early ones kicking around, but never looked closely enough to check if they were different.

[killerkali]

Knowing audi, it prob comes with the trans

Id hit up scotty at advanced, or audis for parts.
I may have some early ones kicking around, but never looked closely enough to check if they were different.

Hey if you did that would be awesome, I believe that part itself differs only the shift linkage.
And just for future reference for others the part # is 8d0 711 271 n. They seem to run about ~110$ from a few sites so I guess it isn't too bad. Couldn't find any locally.

[killerkali]

So ideas on why they run a support rod this way? I can only figure that they do it like that to reduce any noise/vibration transfer away from the shifter base and into the tranny. I tried on a lift and wasn't able to remove the other end. I can easily cnc/fab up some metal brackets to secure the shifter box front and rear with the existing studs it has and have it secured directly to the chassis. Anyone see an issue with this besides noise, most "race cars" with aftermarket boxes mount them directly to the chassis. I've been driving the car still without the support rod and no joke it shifts better than it does before.... Already have solid mounts in the entire car I can live with more noise or vibration, although it is incredibly smooth as is.

[zillarob]

If you think they are the same, Im sure I have one here.

I think they did it that way for ease of install and to keep everything consistent based on what the trans was doing.
If they attached it to the body, the gear positions might be more apt to move around as the engine/trans shifts on the mounts.

[Scotty@Advanced]

So ideas on why they run a support rod this way?

The base of the shifter is tied to the transmission so the shifter moves with the transmission. With the shifter tied to the car body drivetrain movement can cause the trans to go into or out of gear.

[killerkali]

If you think they are the same, Im sure I have one here.

I think they did it that way for ease of install and to keep everything consistent based on what the trans was doing.
If they attached it to the body, the gear positions might be more apt to move around as the engine/trans shifts on the mounts.

I pmed you !

The base of the shifter is tied to the transmission so the shifter moves with the transmission. With the shifter tied to the car body drivetrain movement can cause the trans to go into or out of gear.

Yea didn't think of that you both are right. I guess having solid engine/trans/diff mounts may allow my idea to be possible but I guess it would be better in the long run to replace it. Thanks for the input again

[killerkali]

BUMP. Still in search of this support rod. Has been pretty much impossible to find aside from spending 300+ on a new one.

[slowSfaux]

I have a spare on my spare transmission, I'll take a look tonight and see what condition it's in. Pm me your phone number and I'll send you some pics of it when I get home.

[killerkali]

I have a spare on my spare transmission, I'll take a look tonight and see what condition it's in. Pm me your phone number and I'll send you some pics of it when I get home.

pmd ya, thanks bud.