loose shifter?

I'm looking at buying an '86 944 for sale that seems to be in pretty good shape. one thing that bothers me is that the shifter seems to be loose. the shift pattern is there, you can shift through all 5 gears, but it has alot of play from side to side. for example, while in first gear, the shifter can move over to where 3rd should be. he said it's always done that, and that a 1991 model he drove did the same thing. it dosen't seem right to me. anybody know what it might be?

i just bought a 1984 porsche nonturbo and the shifter does the same thing. i dont know if its always done that...but i can shift fine. no problemo shifting.

lkgage03

Mine doesn't do it. Check the linkage above the transmission. Also remove the shifter boot and torque tube insulation. Check the connections there, there are two mounting bolts and the rod connects to the linkage somehow (I don't remember right now). It might be time for a new shift rod and mount.

remove shift boot and remove the C clip holding the shift rod to the lever and look at the that pin. You will probably find that the pin is worn on the edges. Drill it out and replace it with 8 mm bolt or just buy a new lever.