I ordered my STS from NOPI a month ago for $55 and I finally received it from Pacesetter yesterday. The manufactuered date on the box said 3/20/02 so this was just made a few days ago. I opened the box and everything is perfect. I start to assemble the shifter and I'm having the hardest time getting the delrin ball past the bend and to the lower threads. To my understanding, you have to start from the top, screw the ball past the initial threads, past the bend, and then home free. I tried greasing the bend area but no luck. I tried to hold the shifter by the ball with a wrench and wack the other end with a rubber mallet...still no luck. It's about halfway into the bend right now and I'm out of ideas. I swear, the bend has got to be at least 20 degrees or so

 

Yeah, you are doing it right. You just have to keep trying to get that delrin ball down to the 2nd set of threads. It's hard but eventually it will pop through. I think it helps to turn it as you are forcing it down.

I'd recommend the shortest throw so that you don't have to redo it if you find the throw not quite short enough. Although initially, it may seem too short, after break-in, it is just perfect. The initially stiffness/notchiness also improves after the first month. Leave off the heat shield too or that banging noise will drive you mad.

 

The minute after I read your reply, I wacked the ball with my rubber mallet dead on the opposing bend side. Two good wacks and the ball slide down. Thanks a lot, I was scared I was going to break something. I'll have this STS on in no time.