Shift linkage mod (many pics); very nice improvement...
 

half the slop is from the transmission u-joint ( this piece is fairly easy to remove and replace ):
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/1_shift_joint_014.jpg">

you must drill out the rivets ( warning - they do not go through, don't attempt to knock them out! )
dissamble, clean, then drill and tap the holes to accept allen heads:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/2_shift_joint_020.jpg">

OEM parts; notice the thin rubber locator and undersized bushings, makes for lots of slop:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/4_shift_joint_041.jpg">

exploded view of OEM parts, notice the rough cast marks and flimsy plastic pieces:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/6_shift_joint_087.jpg">

exploded view which includes modified parts:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/7_shift_joint_090.jpg">

the metal sleeves, nylon bushings and grommets are all from ACE hardware; re-use rubber locators:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/9_shift_joint_078.jpg">

fitted into the housing; nice and snug with smooooooth action
( for the hardcore out there, can use solid nylon bushings instead of grommets ):
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/12_shift_joint_084.jpg">

reassembled with stainless allen head fasteners:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/13_shift_joint_101.jpg">

side by side next to the crappy Passat u-joint:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/14_shift_joint_104.jpg">


another view... lengths, etc., are the same:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/2181/15_shift_joint_111.jpg">

Along with my UUC, this makes for short, ultra-precise throws. Snick, snick...

Very slick.

Oooh... so this is a mod to those parts which are left alone by SS kits?

Re: Wow...props! Even with a SS theres still soo much movement.

damn....nice project

Sweet. Nothing like precision parts to correct mass produced crap.
 

Very innovative on your part. Nice work.

Cool. What year is your car? I think my shift linkage looks more like the Passat one....
 

since I have a 97.

say, are you anywhere near northern VA? I'll pay you to do this to my car :-)

How about submitting this as a "Tech FAQ"?

interesting. now you just have to tell us how to remove the U-joint.