Kris,
Could you describe a little more what happens when you try to get into first gear? Could it be that the detente bracket under the boot (which keeps the shift lever from going towards reverse unless the collar is pulled up at the shift knob, i believe) is misadjusted too far to the right? This seems unlikely, since you use the word "sloppy" and the problem I describe would probably make 1st and 2nd gears "tight" to get into, but thought I mention it just in case. Unless the bracket were misadjusted too far to the left, I'm not sure, maybe that would make it harder to "find" first gear, hence "sloppy".


David
79 245
88 245
81 245 (parts donor)

HI
You may be lucky and the snap ring that holds in the gear shift has poped out .
this can be accessed from above. But more than likely something is messed with you first gear sycronizer. Get a second hand trans if that is the case.Though syncros can be replaced it is not very cost effective unless your time is not worth much.