I believe this is like what I have(3 spd hd). If I reach up there and grab them, there is slight play in both. Not enough to be too concerned with but I'm trying to tighten my shifting up. If it's too involved, I'll let it ride.

 

I think some play is par for the course. The mechanism that holds them in position inside the shifter cover is like below. Not sure what would really wear. There is a spring between two ***** that could be weak.

 

Well, that looks interesting! I'm guessing the slop might be from the holes(bushings?) the arm shafts rotate in.

Looks like I'd have to grind the welds off, and go from there. Not too keen on doing that. I think fixing the other issues in the linkage and shift shaft should give me good enough improvements. Or at least I hope.

Thanks!