I have a 1983 944 and there is a lot of play in the shifter even while in gear. If i was to install a short shift kit, would this fix the problem or is it something else that needs to be replaced. Does a short shift kit affect the shift linkage itself? Thanks for any help!

 

The short shifter is mounted at the transaxle end, and is not going to effect the slop much at all. The slop comes from a worn shifter pin. You need to replace your shifter lever an associated spring washer. The rod it slides into can wallow out as well, but the main problem is from the shifter. If you pop your shift boot up, and disassemble the shifter from the rod running to the rear of the car, you will probably notice the pin has worn down to an hourglass shape. The shifter is about 50 bucks, and there is a plastic ball cup bushing at the base that it snaps into (ball and socket) that should be replaced as well.