TheSamba.com :: View topic - Best shift coupler bushings and shift rod bushing?

Wed Oct 09, 2013 2:34 pm

Hello all,
I've searched around a bunch but can't get a good answer. I need to replace the shift rod bushing and coupler bushings and I'd like to put good parts in that will last. Stopped by the dealer and they say these are no longer available.

And the complete WolfsburgWest $28 coupler
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=311711211

looks just like the Aircoolednet $17 coupler
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Shift-Coupler-1964-79-Type-1-1968-79-Type-2-p/311-798-211-131-100.htm

...just need the bushings though. Suggestions?
Thanks!

Wed Oct 09, 2013 2:46 pm

In the photo you had from Wolfsburg West, below the photo of the coupler, there are three smaller photos. You need the bushing and the bushing clip. They're in those photos.

The Wolfsburg West one shows the self-tapping screw like OEM. It might be easier to install than the other company's (maybe not).

Tim

Wed Oct 09, 2013 7:47 pm

Thanks Tim.
Does anyone know if the euromax bushings are good enough, or should I just buy the entire shift coupler from Wolfsburg West? (which may use euromax bushing?)
B.

Wed Oct 09, 2013 7:55 pm

Euromax is Chinese for CRAP.

This one is nice.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1252462

Wed Oct 09, 2013 8:00 pm

Thanks Glenn! That nice CNC part doesn't cost much more than the WW coupling. No issues running without any bushings?

edit: found a NOS coupler in the classifieds and will probably go with that one. THanks all.

Thu Oct 10, 2013 5:14 am

I'm thinking using that coupler the noise and vibrations from the transmission will be transferred to the shifter. That's why VW put rubber bushings in theirs.

Thu Oct 10, 2013 6:49 am

I have the cnc version. Makes for a very nice crisp shift and yes, some noise is transferred through the coupler and up through the shifter. My fix is to move the shifter a little or turn on the radio. running a new Rancho pro-street in front of a 2110 with a berg shifter (ball version) and heavy duty rubber mounts. The noise is really not noticable under normal conditions, aka windows down, radio on, and webers talking.

Thu Oct 10, 2013 8:43 am

I bought an EMPI coupler--the one with the red bushings, and installed them in my coupler cage. They fit tight and the bushings themselves are very, very hard--and will, no doubt, last forever.

I noticed from the git go that, although the shifting was top notch, there was a vibration noise that I did not have before with the stock (worn) coupler bushing. So I would imagine that the solid coupler shown above would make a nice little racket while tooling down the freeway at 65 mph.

That racket IS annoying.

Tim