ok. today was fun... went to eviltwin's place to get the gearbox fluid changed to Castrol Syntrax 75W90 with the Nulon G70 fluid inside. We also got solid metal bushings replacing the gear selector cables. Was surprised how easy it was! should have did it myself! DOH! Shifting feels more direct and notchy than the rubber bushings that were inside. when we got them out one of them was pretty worn out. Some noise was generating in the chassis on the way back home and upon quick inspection, the washers that were making the rattling noise. maybe i'll get some rubber washers to be put in between to stop the rattling noise. big thanks to eviltwin for the help. now i can change my own gearbox oil in another 50,000 or so :)