Thanks t each of you very much for your help and comments (too many to note) but I did get the two bushings around the shift rod ball replaced, upper and lower as well as the rubber boot below the ball (the old bushings were crumbled). But I still have excessive play and looseness and I think that means there may be a spring up front that may be off/broken? Your further comments about this are welcome, because I have no experience in this. BTW, Joe, I was at your last Pagoda U., and I have met, or know of several of you. Thanks again. At 81 I probably did a foolish thing, a few months back I bought a 67 230SL that needs much! I must be loosing my mind! Larry