Bad 6-Speed Shift Linkage?

[78F350]

I'm getting ready to remove the engine and transmission from a 2002 986 S with 119k miles. I can't drive this car unless I install shift cables and I don't want to pull them from another car right now. There's a lot more play in the "gearshift lever" than I was expecting. The two others I compared to can go in and out slightly, but have almost no play in the fore-aft, back & forth axis. Is this 'normal' or needing a repair before re-use?

[Danimal]

I am wondering if I have the same thing going on. Need to get under and check soon. Tagging along to see what others say.

[redpepperracing]

I have a 5 speed with 118k kilometers on it and it seems to be about the same:

[Bush Pilot]

Consider the shifter linkage replacement offered by Numeric Racing. It’s been working well for me for awhile now.