With all due respect to red58, I would start at the rod linkages from the tranny up to the steering column. They're basically rods bent at 90 degrees stuck in a hole. These of course round out over time and the slop is added with each successive joint upto your next shift.
I am in the process of rebuilding my 3 speed linkage with what I believe are called Heim Joints. They are articulating ball and socket joints that will reduce slop to near zero. One other IMHO problem area is the pivot of the adjoining rods off the bell housing. I plan on finding a steel tube to insert in the space between the two holes punched in the steel and weld it in complete with a zerk to both reduce slop (one side of mine is really ovalled-out) and grease to keep it articulating smoothly.
All this will come to light as you wish your arms were longer and skinnier finding your way to dis- and re- assembly.
~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer
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