I watched this video. I also found this one here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qQynDMVhUY
This guy takes it one step farther and replaces the welded stud on the shifter arm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWnC9gD1tic
So, I think my next step is to install this short shifter kit and see if that resolves the crunchiness:
https://www.only944.com/partscatalog/only/shortshifter/
https://www.only944.com/partscatalog/only/shiftlinkagearm/
I'll have to pop the tire off tonight and take a look at home much play I have down there.