Thanks to Lucky Luke linking this thread from one specifically pertaining to a "shift linkage mod" which in it self has proved to be a great DIY'er and I can see this one may prove just as valuble

 

Bought a new shifter shaft and bushings to install. I found some of the slop when I tried to take the heel shifter loose to change out, the bolt had been buggered up and the alan key was stripped out. I has to use a small cold chisel and tap it loose to get it off. I installed the new shaft and a new shifter bolt and set things tight. All is crisp and clean shifting now. Thanks for the help.