Thank John,

I've studies the forum a bit and already got the replacement bushing on their way from LMC.
Yesterday I "played" with it a bit and actually got it to shift all gears although going to 1st & reverse is difficult/stiff. I'm thinking maybe it's just bushing which I'll find out once I get the parts and install them. Hopefully it's only that.

Regarding your work around, thanks for the tip!
I'm a bit confused with it though... When you say: "pull gently towards the wheel and lift it into second" I assume you mean push away from the wheel (since that's where 2nd & 3rd are)?

The pattern is up & towards steering wheel is reverse, down & towards steering wheel is 1st, up & away from steering wheel is 2nd and down & away from steering wheel is 3rd.

And my problem really is only going into 1st & reverse (so pulling it towards the steering wheel) than 2nd & 3rd (away from the steering wheel) but I think your tip should work with both ways.

Thanks again.