I've read up on the shimming and such, but the problem, as JohnRR mentioned, is the parts store boxes seem to just get new seals. I'm assuming the FF boxes get new gears. I've tried adjusting the lash on the current box, but afraid to go much more for fear of binding, but I guess I can go till it binds then back off.

I guess I'll keep trying to work out the geometry of the bar. I know they don't have to be perfect, but the way it sits now, it doesn't really look like the bar was even designed for this car.