So I've got a '93 accord with about 275k on her. clutch was probably replaced at some point, though not while I've owned the car. Recently, it has been really tough to shift into gears (especially 2-4-R), and it seems like the throw for shifting is a lot farther than it should be. As it stands right now, I can't even get the car in reverse... so any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

All you can really do is to check all the linkage for extra slack in the attachment points, the console can be pulled up to check the shifter base pivot points, and go underhood to check the linkage going to the top of the trans.

 

Alright, so it shifts great when I shift it from the top of the trans.

I took off the console, and I noticed there is about 6-8 inches of play in the right (forward and back) cable. The car still goes in to most gears, it's just tough...so I don't think the cable is completely broken. Can I adjust that somehow, or should I replace that entire unit?

 

Sheesh this is really simple; Hire a midget to ride under the hood and you beep the horn for what gear you want.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha I really crack me up.

All kidding aside, be sure the cables are clipped into the brackets on the back side of the trans. They have a thin metal clip to hold the cable into the bracket.
If you have to replace it, just remember to use the old cable to 'fish' the new cable in.

 

Lol....tried that whole midget thing, turns out they have a union...so no dice.

Called honda this morning, and they wanted hundreds of dollars for this thing. Went on ebay, got one for like 30 bucks. Chea! The unit I got off ebay comes with the shift lever and everything....do you think it would be easier to say screw it and replace everything, or should I just pull the cable off my ebay unit and use that?