911 912 Shift Rod Removal

[Richard Muller]

Is there a way to remove the shift rod from a '69 911/912 without removing the engine and transmission? I just got completed rebuilding/installing the engine and tranny and putting it a car that hasn't moved on it's own since 1983. Soon discovered that the shift rod is cracked and needs to be replaced. Does this mean what I think it means?

[len911]

Yes indeed! No way to get it out unless you drop that baby! Sorry t o be the bearer of bad news Lou

[Richard Muller]

Thanks, Lou. I would hate to have dropped that whole mess only later to have someone tell me: "Man, you coulda just ....." I doesn't get any worse than that. Rich

PS, I'm also a Jersey Boy. Asbury Park HS '65

[Gearbox]

Hi Richard, I'm sure I'm too late for your project, but I just had the same problem were the tip of the shift rod cracked off. While it was an easy repair with a few welds, I didn't want to chance welding so close to the fuel lines. Plus I had just finished installing new carpets and the interior. What i did was to cut the rod in half with a phneumatic air saw, about 17.5" from the tip. Once you get the clamps and cup off, it moves up and down the tunnel for access for the cut. Just make sure you cut on a straight section and you mark it so you can line it back up later. The two halfs will then pull out through the shifter hole. Once you repaired the crack, find a 4" length of tubibg with the correct O.D. that will slide into the shift rod's I.D. about .825" or 22mm. Slide the tube 2" inside one half and drill a a hole for a 1/4" bolt through the rod and tube and install the bolt. Slide the other half of the rod on, line up your marks and drill the other side, both holes should be 1" from the cut ends. Slip the two unassembled sections into the tunnel and bolt back together. Once you get the rod started on the tube, slide it back into position and tap the tip to seat the rod home. You could also grab the ends of the rod through the shifter hole and the universal coupling access hole, and twist it back and forth to line up the holes. Slide the rod all the way up so you can insert the final bolt and lock nut via the shifter hole. And you're done.

I use this same type of system on my race cars for unversal joints for the shifter and steering column, so it should not pose any problems on the 911. I though about using some JB weld, or perhaps a tack weld, but I may have to remove it again one day. Bottom line, the joint was stiff with no slop, and the bolts cleared everything in the tunnel. Hey it really beats pulling the motor and trans and it sure made my day. Figure an hour job, hope this helps someone out there, Allan

BTW, just noticed you;re from Jersey, I'm in Westfield, if you need any help just PM me.