I just adjusted the shift linkage on mine at the transmission to get a
more positive engagement into 1st and 3rd.
Looking at it from the passenger side of the engine, there is the shift
rod which has either a 13mm Double nut or a 13mm nylock on the end.
That cannot be super tight as it needs to allow rotation of the linkage
upon the rod. But excessive looseness will allow the linkage to
deflect upon the rod which isn't good, so its best to look at it at work
before you adjust it and see if there is visible deflection as the
shifter goes from the left to right. If you tighten it too much, you
can't move the shifter left or right...

To get more positive engagement or to change throw, there is a 13mm nut
on the driver side further down. This is a C clamp on the ball as you
describe. The manuals are for RHD English cars as far as I could tell.

To get better 1st engagement, I had an assistant put the car into 1st
gear. Then loosen the 13mm nut on the ball. Then have the assistant
pull the shifter back an inch or so. Then retighten the nut on the ball.
Once tightened, see if 1st engages easily. Then check 2nd to make sure
that engages. If not, rinse and repeat. Obviously if you can get 1st,
but loose 2nd, you need to go back the other way.

HTH<
James

>
>
> I have been having trouble with the left/right alignment of the
> shifter. Most of the time I can't get the gear I want. Like try for
> reverse & get 1st.
>
> I pulled the shift boot off & inspected & lubed everything in there &
> it all looks ok. If confirms that the shifter is indeed in reverse
> position, even though I am not getting reverse selected in the trans.
>
> I was told it was probably the rubber donut "kugelpfanne" that sits on
> the ball on the arm from the trans, but after I ordered it & went to
> change it, it is fine. (Shoulda checked before I ordered I guess.)
>
> So, now I am thinking maybe the shift lever adjustment needs done on
> the arm connected to the trans? Problem is, mine looks nothing like
> what is detailed in all of the 100 service manuals I have.
>
> Mine has the shaft coming from trans with a small "C" shaped piece
> that a bolt clamps to the shaft & that peice is small with a 90 degree
> bend & then has the ball on top.
>
> All of the manuals show a long lever (much longer than mine)& a thin
> curved rod coming out of the shaft with an adjustment nut at the shaft
> side (mine has no curved rod & adjustment nut). It appears mine is
> adjusted by sliding the small "C" shaped piece that a bolt clamps to
> the shaft?
>
> Can anyone provide any help please?
>
> Thanks!
>
>