Toyota Repair: 1987 toyota pickup, retainer ring, toyota 4x4

Question
I have a 1987 toyota 4x4 63000 miles. It started with a lot of play in first and second gears.  Now when in first gear, I can move the shift handle completely to the left, so far that it will hit the transfer case shift handle.  Clutch master cyl. and clutch slave cyl. are about 6 months old.  There does not seem to be any problem with the clutch so I am thinking its in a bushing in the gear shift.  

Thank you very much.
Bob

Answer
The problem is the bushing in the shift tower, I recommend you get the new ones from the dealer first, remove the console and the shift boot, remove the shift handle by depressing the retainer ring, do not remove the 12mm bolts on the shift tower, replace both the teflon cover on the end of the shifter and the round bushing in the tower opening.