2nd Gear Slipping

[burly]

My 1999 Nomad is slipping out of 2nd gear into neutral whenever I push it at all. The Delphi Vulcan forum guys suggested it's a bent 2nd gear shift fork (which is really expensive bad news).

One fellow suggested checking the bar that connects from the shift pedal to the transmission in behind the alternator - apparently it needs to have 112 mm (plus or minus 1mm) between the two locknuts. I pulled apart everything and had a look last night, and there appears to be way less than that distance (maybe 100mm).

I wasn't able to adjust it (I could only get one lock nut loosened, and couldn't figure out how to increase the distance between the nuts), but thought I'd ask some of you very helpful people if you think this could be the problem. Or would this lead to problems with all gears?

Anyone ever adjust the spacing on this bar who could provide tips?