New beetle shift linkage

Hi guys, I've been reading up on beetle transmission because I picked up a 98 bug that blew out the r&p gears but the motor was in great shape. I'm pulled the tranny out of my 01bug to put into the 98. The transmissions are the same model but they have different shift linkages. Is one better than the other? Which way is better to adapt, 98 linkage on the 01 tranny, or 01 linkage on the 98bug? The 98 has some rectangular billet piece on the end connecting to the shift selector on the trans. Not sure what it is.

The newer shift linkage ends are easier to adjust. So,most people prefer using them.