Thanks for the help people!

Pepa - how do i check for play on the gearstick bearings? In any gear the gearstick does move from side to side but as it's my first ford i'm not sure how much is normal?

Pete - can you give me a bit more detail about your comment to get more clutch op on the cable please?

Also, can anyone tell me if I need to drop the engine down to get the box off if needed?

Thanks,
Dan