[Shotimes] Rod shifter maintenance

[Carl Prochilo]

As a whole, what type of maintenance do you all do to the rod shifter?  

At the base where the shifter boss mounts to the chassis, there is a slider section that appears to need lubrication.  I applied some heavy grease to that area.

Engine vibration was being transmitted into the cabin through the shifter itself.  The U-joint where the rod mates up with the tranny has a lot of play in it.  I've added some heavy grease to this area too, but it looks like there is too much slop in the joint itself.  The grease does quiet the noise/vibration down completely, but since it is an exposed area, the grease needs to be replaced frequently.  Can this excess play be repaired by replacing hardware?  
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Cheers,
Carl Prochilo
1992 Ultra Red Crimson