is there a way to adjust amount of play or movement of the gear stick?as of now it seems to be about 1"-1.5" square. I 'm looking for a tight feel, or tighter than a loose pjama party.

 

Do you have a Manual transmission or Auto?

 

It's going to be a manual transmission (m-47). more specifically, in a Volvo

 

The clearance between the reverse detent plate and the finger on the bottom of the pullrod (the bit you have been playing with recently) should be between 0.5 and 1.5 mm (0.02 to 0.06 ins) when 1st gear is engaged. Check with feeler guages.

Slacken the detent bolts and adjust as necessary. When adjustment is correct the side to side play of the gear lever **** in 1st or 2nd gear should be 5 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.8 ins).