Ford 4000 transmission question

[Barely Runnin]

Machine is 1965, 3 cyl gas. with 8 speed tranny.
When plowing snow yesterday (lots of shifting between reverse and forward), I noticed the shift lever was moving way left of it's normal position in 5th gear. The lever has a slight bend in it near its base, I suppose to bring the lever ends closer to the operator. Yesterday, I could move the lever from about a 6 o'clock position to a 9 o'clock position, even while in gear. The lever felt pretty sloppy/loose. I was able to shift many times after the problem was noticed - I was just more careful.
Am I on the verge of having something fall off inside the transmission? It's too cold (below 0) to dig into now but I thought I'd ask about what I can expect to see when I remove the top cover the shift levers go through.

Thanks

 

[RickB]

The locating pin in the shift lever is worn, as is the slot in the shift cover that the pin engages. Typical situation. My 4000's large shifter rotates about 60 degrees. one of these days i suppose I'll fix it.