Shift Adjuster, for Late Style Coupler

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled machine to the limit, whether it''s on the street or deep in the dunes, the last thing you want is a missed shift due to a sloppy or poorly aligned linkage. The EMPI Shift Adjuster for late-style couplers is the professional-grade solution for builders who demand absolute precision in their gear selection. This heavy-duty steel component is designed to be welded directly into your shift rod, providing a threaded interface that allows for minute adjustments in both length and rotation. For custom chassis, sand rails, or dune buggies where standard factory shift rod lengths simply won''t cut it, this adjuster is the key to achieving that ''rifle-bolt'' shifting feel that separates a mediocre build from a masterpiece.

This adjuster is specifically engineered to mate with the late-style square shift coupler, a staple of the Volkswagen performance world since the mid-1960s. By integrating this piece into your shift linkage, you gain the ability to compensate for chassis flex, custom engine/transmission positioning, or simply to fine-tune the throw of your shifter to your personal preference. It eliminates the guesswork and the ''close enough'' mentality of fixed-length rods. Because it requires welding, it provides a rock-solid, permanent connection that won''t slip or fail under heavy load, ensuring that your transmission receives clean, crisp signals from the driver''s seat every single time you grab a gear. Whether you are restoring a classic or building a ground-up rail, this is the component you need to bridge the gap between your hand and the transaxle.

FITMENT

This shift adjuster is designed for use with late-style square couplers and is compatible with a wide range of air-cooled applications including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1965 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1965 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1965 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, Manx-style kits, and Trikes using a VW transaxle.
• Coupler Compatibility: Fits perfectly with part numbers 311-798-119, 5548-11, or AC710001.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: AC710002L (Ref: 17-2724-0)
• Material: High-tensile carbon steel for maximum weld penetration and strength.
• Coupler Type: Late Style (Square) configuration.
• Installation Method: Weld-in (Requires cutting the existing shift rod).
• Thread Type: Fine pitch threads for high-precision adjustment.
• Finish: Raw steel (Must be painted or coated after welding to prevent corrosion).
• Weight: Approximately 0.35 lbs.
• Sold As: Individually (Each).

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Perfect Alignment Before the Final Weld

Before you lay down your final beads of weld, it is critical to mock up the entire shift linkage. Slide the adjuster into your cut shift rod and install it into the car with the coupler and shifter attached. Put the transmission in neutral and ensure your shifter is perfectly centered. Mark the orientation of the adjuster relative to the rod with a paint pen or scribe. This prevents the dreaded ''crooked shifter'' syndrome where the rod is twisted, making it difficult to find reverse or fifth gear in high-performance setups. Once marked, remove the rod from the car to perform the welding on a bench to ensure a clean, 360-degree weld without risking damage to your interior or wiring.

Tip 2: Manage Your Heat and Bushings

Welding the shift adjuster generates significant heat that can travel down the rod. Always remove the plastic shift rod bushings and any rubber components from the tunnel before you begin welding if you are performing the work near the vehicle. If you are welding on a bench, allow the rod to air-cool naturally; do not quench it in water, as this can make the steel brittle and prone to cracking under the vibration of a high-revving air-cooled engine. Ensure you have a deep, penetrating weld around the entire circumference of the rod-to-adjuster junction to handle the torque of aggressive shifting.

Tip 3: Don''t Forget the Anti-Seize

The primary benefit of this part is adjustability, but that benefit is lost if the threads rust together over time. After you have welded the adjuster and painted the rod to prevent rust, apply a generous amount of high-quality nickel or copper anti-seize to the threads before threading in the coupler. This ensures that even years down the road, you can still crack the jam nut loose and fine-tune your shifting if you decide to change shifters or if your chassis settles. This is especially vital for off-road vehicles that are frequently exposed to moisture, mud, and salt, which can quickly seize dry threads.