I just went through the same problem for weeks, tweaking for this and
that. It started out that the car would not go into first, then I fixed
that but it was difficult engaging second, sloppy going into first as
you mention, with a need to check for reverse at before proceeding at
stop lights.

Although I like to do all the work I can myself, I turned the car over
to a good shop last friday, and four hours later I had a car that
shifted like a new one.

It's one of those things you can mess around forever, or you can get it
fixed. I didn't need any parts, just proper adjustment by a two-man
crew with a rack who knew what they were doing.

Jim

On Oct 4, 2004, at 12:55 AM, James Lowe wrote:

> Has anyone repaired a sloppy shifter?
>
> My 87 Syncro has a lot of play in the stick shift, and I put her in
> reverse at stop lights as often as not.  I haven't hit anyone behind
> me yet but it could happen any day now.
>
> I just went through the Bentley's Repair Manual and it looks like
> there's a lot of small parts.  Is it a complicated thing to fix this?
>
> Any help will be appreciated.
>
> Jim
> 87 Syncro
>