Yeah go for the cheap stuff first, but this sounds to me like the beginnings of worn syncros, possibly caused by a clutch not being depressed all the way when shifting?? There's an article somewhere on this site (linked) about double clutching, its not really all that applicable to fast driving on our cars, but may be worth checking out in your case (plus, the price is right)

Where would one pick up one of these shift kits? I"m about to shorten my shifter and since I have a free weekend (not all that common) and i'm gonna be messing with it anyways, I was wondering how hard the are to install as well...world of difference, eh?

thanks,
matt