To help get the shift rod installed correctly inside the connector, try painting the groove in the rod with some really bright nail polish! Hot Pink seems to work best for my tired eyes. To help prevent destroying the threads, make sure the internal star lock washer is on and just snug the bolt down firmly. It doesn’t have to be horsed down tight!
While you’re buying the Hot Pink polish, also pick up a jar of Day Glo Green. They will help to identify opposed twin port and starboard side connecting rods/pistons on assembly day, especially if they have been sitting under the bench for a year or two and the dog ate the notes you had taken.
