Interchangebility of gear selectors, 02J

[clyde]

For more positive shifting, I want to use an 02J gear selector in an 02A transmission. I hear that the 02J gear selector will fit the 02A transmission. However, the 02J used at least two gear selectors—one with ball ends for the shifter cables, and a second with clips to retain the shift cable ends to the selector levers.

The earlier gear selector—with ball-end attachment for shift cables—has a flat on the shaft that fits into the bottom of the trans case.


The later gear selector—with clips that retain the shift cables—has no flat on the shaft that fits into the bottom of the trans case. Instead that shaft has a couple grooves around its circumference.

Are these gear selectors interchangeable?

 

[Nero Morg]

I know the 02Js can be swapped back and forth, I've done it. As for swapping into a 02A,ivr heard it's a common upgrade as well.

 

[clyde]

If you know the two 02J gear selectors can be interchanged, it's almost certain that they will both work in an 02A trans…

 

[Bret2094]

My 1999.5 had the older 02A trans with leftover shifter bits from the mk3 days. It had horrible slop and I wanted to upgrade to the 02J box and get one of DieselGeek's short shifters. Either 02J revision will work, but there was a cutoff for different designs. 00-2001 IIRC and 2002-2005/6. I grabbed the shift tower, shifter box and reverse plug. Fairly sure either cable end design works interchangeably. Definitely ditch the 02A stuff. Too many moving parts made of fragile plastic. Do your self a favor and rebuild the shifter box while it is out of the car.