i have some "slop" or "play" in my shift linkage how do i fix this problem?

 

Are you using a new shift pin? If you reuse your old one there may not be as much tension as there should be, get a new one...

 

shift pin? this makes no sense, if the pin is loose it will fall out.

most likely its the linkage joints at the transmission or the bushings on the shifter

 

I replaced my bushings and it helped with forward to reverse slop and made the shift much crisper and gated feeling. However, the stick still wiggles side to side while in gear. Could be more than just your bushings.