3 on the tree

[bmxkingnow]

I've got the I6 250 with a 3 on the tree. It gets me where I'm going for the most part, but there are quite a few times lately where its having problems shifting. I think the problem is the linkage that comes off the column is old and sloppy. So when I come up (on the gear shift) out of first its either not grabbing first gear, or it is grabbing first gear and dropping it back in to gear when I hit neutral. Its getting very annoying because then I have to drive stuck in first gear until I find a parking lot. Then, get out pop the hood and pull first gear out by hand. it really wouldn't bother me that much if it was something that happened every once in a while, but its becoming a regular thing every time I drive. In fact, I was better off starting in 2nd gear getting it home today. 2nd and 3rd gears are fine, its only first I'm having problems with. Any ideas guys?