the shifter arm that changes gear in my trans is so loose i thought it might be a bushing of some kind but it turns out its the shaft the comes out of the back of the trans the shifter arm is loose on that shaft how do i fix it

 

Please try and describe some more. Out of the back of the transmission are two rods, one is attached to the shift rod, the other is a rod that holds the shifter IN it. The shift rod has two pivots held in by non-replacable nylon bushings. The rod that bolts onto the side has a big round bushing and you put a plate over it and use a 12mm bolt into the trans case. I'm guessing based on what is the most common failures from neglect and age, that your bushings are worn, the rubber ones. Go check your shift linkage and look at the tranny case. The rod with the bushing, if you can wiggle it around, undo that 12mm bolt at the back of your transmission casing where it attaches. WHen the black metal disc comes off, slide it off and look at the rubber bushing. If its beat to hell, torn, etc, that's probably it. You can get one from Honda or of course upgrade to those red plastic ones by energy suspension. Firmer shifting but the shift **** may vibrate a bit more.