[dicklague]

You need to be 1000% sure that the bushings are all good. There is one at the bottom of the shifter shaft that the ball end of shifter fits into. Also a plastic sleeve on the rod. both of these are very inexpensive and should be replaced. Next the coupler should be rebuilt or replaced....maybe with the one mentioned. Or a Wevo or some other high precision type. You can also get a factory quick shft kit that has all new moving parts in the shifter. All of these will need to be good before you start adjusting the shifter.

If it is a new to you car.....I would do this basic maintenance first. Check the reverse lock out too.