I didn’t have to pull the transmission to install mine. The downpipes though did need to be out. I did it at the same time I installed my downpipes. It’s tight but totally doable.
Interesting. Thanks for the info.
just to clarify, you don’t need to remove the downpipes to install the shifter…just the shifter trio package which is FAR more involved.
the shifter alone can be installed in 90 minutes in your driveway from inside the vehicle.
Got it. I think if I was going to do the job, I would want to do the whole trio. Isn’t there something about having to cut the shift linkage if you install just the shifter?
As far as adjusting goes… does the install video detail how to adjust it very well?
Can you keep the stock shift nob and boot?
I apologize if I was wrong about needing to pull the trans to install the shifter linkage but that’s what I was told when I installed mine. On JHMs site it says its a good mod to do while doing a clutch or downpipes. I was charged an hour labor for cutting the OEM linkage rod. I know for a fact that the Delrin bushings and shifter are all done inside the car. Yes, the OEM shift knob and boot can be used with the shifter, however, I recommend buying the jhm shift knob too because it adds some weight to it making your throws easier, plus it just feels more solid.
I would have bought it but it’s metal. That gets super hot in the summer and super cold in the winter. I’ve had some before and told myself, never again lol
Now weighted leather wrapped knobs. That would be cool 
The knob definitely gets cold in the winter but I haven’t gotten in the car to find it hot. Even with this being the hottest summer in decades I never even noticed it being hot. Sign me up for a leather/metal knob, that’d be great.
I was also advised to get the trio done at the same time as my clutch. Shifter install was essentially zero hours labour with the exhaust off and the clutch out.
We should also make the distinction if you have the SS or the fully monty trio. I have the trio so my comments relate to that.
I also have the trio package and had it installed during my transmission rebuild. I was charged 1 hour labour because of the cutting involved.
He wasn’t talking about the linkage or the trio (at that point anyway)…he was talking about the shifter only
“I definitely don’t want to have to drop the trans just for a shifter”
I was addressing his post when I said you don’t need to pull downpipes (much less the engine/trans) to install the shifter. You can install it from above by removing the trim around the shifter (super easy…some people use that as a hiding space for illicit items lol)
So shifter only… 90 mins inside the car… no problem leaving everything in place.
Trio… may need to drop the trans (makes it easier) but definitely have to pull the downpipes?
In both cases there is cutting involved?
Only when you do the JHM linkage you need to cut the oem linkage rod. The actual shifter and the Delrin bushings go in really easy from inside the car with no cutting or modifications.
This is a great thread! thanks everyone. It is a mod that i really want after driving Kryto (Dave’s) car a few months ago… I, like a few others are quite skeptical about getting it adjusted correctly.
Saki like you said out of the total number they have sold it is probably a pretty low percentage that have this problem… but still.
I thought i settled on just doing the SS and not the trio as this seems to have less “issues” from what i have read about, but after reading this and other threads like it i want to jump in and get the entire thing.
I have been also toying with getting the stg 4 clutch and LWFW so i will probably wait until i can do it all at the same time!!
Doing everything at the same time will definitely be the way to go. The shifter install will basically be free then. Be sure you bring your car to somebody you know is going to do the job correctly and you will have no problems. I feel like the people who had adjustment problems with the shifter had them because whoever installed them didn’t know how to do it correctly. You’ll also want to avoid the nightmare of having the flywheel and clutch installed incorrectly. When you pick up your car after it’s done, you’ll have a huge smile on your face. Just make sure you take it easy for the first 750 miles and break it in properly.
So you guys wouldn’t say the JHM Trio is a DIY job unless you have a good deal of experience?
I’m pretty mechanical, have rebuilt a .302 engine, replaced clutches… but have never worked on an audi at all.
Is this just something that needs specific experience because it can be a pain to adjust?
If you’re rebuilding engines then this is probably a walk in the park for you. Just be prepared to do a little cutting. Working on an Audi is just like working on any other car, there just tends to be way less room to work. If the linkage can be done by removing the downpipes then this could actually be a relatively quick install. If and when you do this yourself, you’ll see what I mean when I say there’s way less room to work in. The axle heat shields are a PITA to remove and just as bad when putting them back in.
JHM shifter = bolt action rifle
I have a hard time driving other manuals since I’m so spoiled with my setup.