Sloppy gearchange on my all Syncro MOD

[les.singleton]

Hello.
I have a late (67) 2.4 L which is has 45,000 miles from new and the original clutch. I am changing the clutch this coming winter and would welcome any advice from anyone who has gone through this, but my main concern is the very "sloppy" gearchange, it almost feels like an old mini with the long throw lever. The car drives very well but in between gears the feel is "loose" changing down from 3rd to 2nd is laborious to ensure correct engagement and avoid reverse, a process which slows hard left turns right down.
My question is this. " when the box is out for the clutch change, what can I do to "stiffen" this up? can it be worn selector forks? is it a typical fault?
I am quite capable of doing the work, but advice from someone who has solved the problem will be a great help, and I do want to retain the original box if at all possible.
Thanks
Les

[PeteB]

Much of the vagueness you're experiencing could be simply down to the rubber bushes on the end of the gearlever being in poor condition, or the gearlever pivot/cross-bolt being a bit slack or incorrectly assembled. Selector forks rarely cause problems but the gearbox tops can (very occasionally) crack around the gearlever mounting.
With the gearbox tunnel cover removed so you can see the top of the gearbox it should be fairly straightforward to work out where the problem is.

[les.singleton]

Pete.
Thanks for that. I feel a bit better about the whole thing as I was anticipating major works, if I only have to worry about bushes etc I'm more than happy. I may even get a look at it in the car instead of waiting until it comes out with the engine for the clutch works.
Regards
Les Singleton

[peterdpps]

I know this post is about a year old but I have just picked up on it via the rejuvinated bulletin board.
PeteB pointed towards worn rubbers and or some adjustments of the pivot / cross bolt.
Is there any diagrams or photos available? Cant seem to see anything in my JDHT workshop manual.