So; I've now had a good look underneath, and established that the vast majority of the lateral play at my gear lever is down to wear in the front UJ, directly behind the 'box.. especially in the horizontal pin / bush in the 'T' piece.

I've read up in the forums (thanks all) about the roll-pin that locates the 'T' to the shaft- and the jubilee clip you need for belt-'n'-braces security.

My question is this: to replace the bushing in the 'T', can I (carefully!) file off the O/S welded / peened over end to release the pin- and replace it with a suitable bolt? There doesn't appear to be any significant play anywhere else (for a 95k miler) so I'm looking to keep the fix as simple as possible..

Any help most gratefully received.

Thanks, CVM.

you could replace it with a bolt but it wouldn't last very long and it wouldn't be as strong, the pins in the u/j's are hardened for durability

Thanks (again!) Tim- I've ordered up the pin as well as the bushes, so I'll get it drilled for a split pin.

Just the cam belt, rear arch / suspension tower rust & pop-top to do now :-)

All the best, CVM