I did some shifter upgrades last weekend:
- New Dieselgeek Super Pin
- Dieselgeek First Gear Getter
- Dieselgeek Cable Saver Replacement Cable End Bushings
- New OEM shifter bearing "cup" (VW p/n 1K0-711-699-A)
I am one of the first to install the
Dieselgeek Super Pin and I received some very helpful information from Jim @ Dieselgeek. I'll outline the process and provide some pictures but feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear.
EDIT: Jim has posted two videos that do a great job describing the install process and cover a lot of information that I cover in this post.
Dieselgeek Super Pin Install
The Super Pin replaces the OEM pivot pin for the side to side bellcrank. This steel pin is riveted in place from the factory and uses a plastic bushing. As you can see from the video below, there is significant play when the shifter is moved side to side.
Click for video showing slop in OEM setup:
https://flic.kr/p/2iKDqaP
The entire center console and armrest assembly must be removed to provide the necessary access. Once that is done, use the Dieselgeek included drill guide to drill perfectly in the center of the rivet head. This drill guide is glued to the bellcrank with JB weld. After you begin drilling with a 5/16" or 8mm drill bit you knock the drill guide off with a hammer and continue drilling carefully until the head of the rivet is removed. The pin can then be knocked out the right side with a hammer and punch. I found it helpful to drill slightly into the pin using a 1/4" bit to relieve pressure from the bellcrank.
The side to side bellcrank is now held into the car only by the connection to the shifter cable. Drill the 7mm hole out with a 5/16" or 8mm drill bit. Now clean out the bore of the shift assembly and check for any debris or burrs. Place the black Super Pin bushing into the right side of the shift assembly. Slide the Super Pin into the shift assembly from the left. Push the grey Super Pin bushing into place in the left side of the shift assembly. This assembly will fit one way only so there is no way to assembly it incorrectly.
Place the bellcrank onto the threaded portion of the Super Pin and snug up the flange nuts to either side of the Super Pin. Tighten these slowly and make sure they are not so tight that they prevent the shift knob from returning to center when moved side to side in neutral. When you move the shift knob side to side you should be able to see the flange nuts turning with the Super Pin.
Click for video of Super pin in action:
https://flic.kr/p/2iLefMB
Conclusion
Install is complete! I had one small issue with my Super Pin install. The right side of the Super Pin was very tight in the shift assembly, so much that it would not rotate freely. I used some fine sandpaper rolled up to lightly sand inside the right side of the bore in the aluminum shift assembly. I did this a few times while test fitting in between. I wound up with a nice fit after only a few light sanding passes.
I have nothing but positive things to say about Jim at Dieselgeek. I'm very thankful he worked to get this product developed and ready for sale and for the helpful information he provided during install. The Super Pin really cleaned up my shift action and now that I've installed all of Dieselgeek's products I'm ready to call my shifter upgrades complete. Full list below:
- Dieselgeek Sigma 6 Short Shifter
- Dieselgeek Upgraded Shifter Shaft Bushing Kit
- Dieselgeek Super Pin
- Dieselgeek First Gear Getter
- Dieselgeek Cable Saver Replacement Cable End Bushing Set
- Shimmed shifter ball per Dieselgeek
- CTS Billet Shifter Bracket Bushings
- ECS Billet/Leather Shift Knob