So, I'm an idiot.
I got a chance to get up to get the car. The old one was plastic. It was just dyed red from age. It was however NOT what I got when I ordered the first time.
Phil did send me the right part. I only had one of them. I should have gotten two. Still had a ton of play once I replaced the rear one.
I dropped that big, stupid plastic belly pan..and the front one was GONE. all kinds of slop from that one. I reused the old one from the back. It was better than nothing, and all I can do at the moment.
Shifter is firm and solid as new.
thanks.. mystery solved.. I'm a dummy
JP