[Ford-o-phobic]

My cars shifter feels clunky and heavy, are there any tricks on how to improve it? I know a little bit about the shift lever rod being worn, and tightening up the bolt on the transmission. But everytime i drive a new car with a standard transmission it feels so light and easy. I dont mind the throw length, but how big is the improvement with a short shoft kit? And why would there be an improvement in the shifting with a ss kit?
-Thanks