Mk4 gear selector upgrade

[ReadieeVTS]

Hey guys I've got a mk4 AGU with the earlier shifter and linkages so I can't adjust them.. My gearstick feels like a wooden spoon in a soup bowl lol. I know I can upgrade to the later adjustable type (5 speed of course) now what I need to know is what other parts do I need to fit this if there is any? The gearbox doesn't need to be taken out does it?


Cheers Lee

[Prawny]

what you need is the entire shift tower from a later 02J gearbox matey. Not just the weight on top, but there is alittle housing around that that unbolts, and the entire shift tower lifts out of the box. I believe it also has a corresponding end cap too on the bottom of the box (the VW logo part)

Once you've got the shift tower, you'll need a shift unit and cables  (with gearbox bracket) from a later car, then it's just a case of fitting it all. To fit it you need to drain the box oil and replace the tower, then refill the box and fit the new cables / shifter and off you go

You can then fit a TT shift weight for £20 from audi if you want to shorten it up a tad too

[karls3abo]

any chance of finding out the part numbers for all the parts, i have a early agu 99 and the selectors are shocking, its all got sloppy, also the bush has seemed to have worn for the gear stick (the white plastic where it pivits).

i want to get a new (used) shifter box complete with cables and the newer selector ends (the twist spring type adjustment) but do i need anything extra to make them fit the currant gear box?? you mentioned a tower? is that where the adjusters connect to at the gearbox end?

thanks

karl

[Prawny]

everything is different on the later ones, the tower must be changed or the newer cables won't work at all.

the bracket on the box, and the angle the cables approach at is all different.

I have all of these parts on my garage if someone wants to do the swap, but it'll be 2-3 weeks before I can get to the bits due to too much stuff stopping me getting access!

[karls3abo]

hmmm but can it be done...? and has anyone done it? and also would it just be better to get either a bran new control box with cables and selectors or a decent second hand one to match what i have on there now instead of "upgrading"?

[tshirt2k]

Yes it can be done. You need tower from gearbox and complete gearchifter from a later car. Early AGU's had a mk3 type shifter arrangement. There are two different types though. early ones had balljoints on the cable ends and later ones had pin/circlip type arrangement. They are all interchangeable though so it up to you what you get. Although if you want a TT short shift, you need the later type.

You won't need to bush thing in the bottom of the box. That only on earlier 02A's or some diesel boxes.

I did it in my mk3.

[Prawny]

I've done it in mine too. One of the best mods I ever did. the early gear change is beyond a joke. it's like stiring porridge with a bendy straw