As Bruce near D.C. sez, when the bushings go out or go missing, the shifter gets really sloppy.

There is a bar, adjusable in length, that reaches from the bottom end of the shifter rod that your hand sits on top of to the lever on the transmissin that actually moved the tranny insides.

That lever and back end of the bar have a pin, horizontal and rather fat, that stick through a hole in their counterpart. Not a close fit because there is a bushing around the pin so as to make it snug.

When the bushing isn't there, the pin can rattle about in the hole.

Get new bushings and new clips or fittings that hold the pin in place and do both ends. Takes getting under the car, and can be a bit dirty.

It's a pretty easy job to do. If the clips are still on, be careful not to loose one unless you are smart enough to get a few extras. One end of the long bar has an adjustable fitting, try not to modify the setting.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)