My shifter (90 vanagon) has lately started to balk going into first. I
can hear a dry rubbing under the floor where the shift lever pivots
(front) often when I move it.

 From where, top or bottom, should I attack this? what should I expect
to see when I get in? Anything I should probably consider replacing?

I checked the archives and they were a lot of help for the rear
ball-and-socket, but didn't directly address what lay under the front
floor.

Thanks,

Jim