Sloppy shifter

[James penrod]

1998 Ranger xlt 2 dr extended cab 2.5 5 speed
The shift is very loose, shifting between 2nd and 3rd long side movement same going to 5th
is there anyway of adjusting the throw between gears. Never had one like this before. Any idea's

On another issue the power steering pump is noisy loud at time's..Would adding Auto transmission "Shudder Stop" to the fluid help or would it be BAD idea, any thought's on this??

 

[RangerAl]

I would just flush out the power steering fluid with new fluid. Use turkey baster sucking out all the dirty fluid in the power steering resivior, fill it with ATF. Jack up the front with both wheels off the ground and engine on turn the steering wheel all the way to the RIGHT and LEFT. Turn off the engine and suck out the fluid in the resivior and filled with new fluid. Do this until you have RED fluid. You are done! I would stay away from the SHUDDER STOP, it have seal conditioner where it will cause the seal inside the rack N pinion to soften and leak.