[bigyagi]

hmmm. i had to take the old girl out again, for one last check etc. shifted great, with no grabbing. going along at 40mph, lifting off the pedal quickly, i do notice some backlash, but i'm being very picky. doing it smoothly, no backlash.
however, as i got back home, i was finding it increasingly harder to put the car into 1st gear. it did not want to budge. if i moved the shifter thru 3rd, then 2nd, then it would go into gear, but not if i tried to put it straight into 1st. i have always had a little play at the shifter, both ways, but this time, with the difficulty getting into 1st gear, i checked the play, and in the front to back movement, there was a ton of play, and i did notice more little more side to side. seems like the bushing has gone south, or something in the linkage is all bent out of shape! i think before i get all crazy and start stripping the car/taking sledge hammer etc, i will have to address the shifter problem, as its clouding the issue.
bob.