How much play should there be in shifter arm??

[HeavyD]

I was looking at the steering columns I have and noticed the shifter arms on both have some play. When I wiggle the arm up and down, the end knob moves a total of about an inch or so (this is a guesstimate). Both columns have roughly the same amount of play. Is this normal? If not, how can this be repaired?

[vtblazer]

Check all the linkage starting from the steering column down for wear and/or missing bushings.

Check the metal parts from the frame to the tranny also, they wear considerably.

I just did this yesterday and ended up needing to weld a couple of the parts in order to 'build' them back up to what they should be.

You'd be amazed at how an 1/8" of worn off metal down on the tranny linkage will affect the shift lever feel/wiggle.