Stainless precision shift coupler and rod, for /6 sideshift Options

[smdubovsky]

I've fabbed a new shift coupler/rod as discussed in the previous thread:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=...f=2&t=58716

The POs side shift adapter and the new one:


The U-joint vs factory coupler w/ plastic bushings


The boot over the U-joint (full of grease)


The tranny end - turned and polished (the tapered hole is even correct).


Its 100% stainless (303/304). Im out of stainless pickling paste so the welds haven't been cleaned yet. (Dont pick on my weld of the nut to the coupler - it was late and the little bugger flops around while you're welding;)

It can report that is works great and completely solves the bind that I use to get in the 1st/R plane (it never was as bad in 4/5 but I dont know why).

In retrospect, I'd use the next larger U-joint and tap the hole vs welding a nut. Both welding the nut, and pulling the boot over it sucked;) I'd also look into using smaller diam or thinner tubing (its currently 7/8" because thats what my old one was.) I didn't want the prototype to have too much torsional twist (calculated 0.75deg @ 10lbft)

FWIW, It sounded like there was some interest. I could make a small production run. They are customizeable to an extent. I can control phasing (the orientation of the set screws - I pointed the one at the firewall out 45deg to make it easier to reach w/ a wrench) I could adjust the length (I understand the V8 guys need longer ones?) I could even lighten it as much as possible (for the racing types) by boring out the tranny end, using the smaller coupler w/ nut, and smaller/thinner tubing. $200 as long as a lot of extra work isn't involved (like lightening).

SMD