1979 928 5 speed transmission

The 928 is running great but on my last drive 1st, 3rd and 5th gear are no longer accessible (I literally cannot shift the car into those three gears). Reverse, 2nd and 4th are operational (limped home). Something similar happened in my 1983 911sc and I had the plastic shift guide replaced (ball and socket item). Two question: (a) any ideas on the specific issue; and (b) any suggestions/recommendations for a shop reasonably close to my residence (Encino, CA)? Any and all help appreciated.

It may be the front shifter ball and socket on the bell housing. It's a pain to replace but your can do a temporary fix (to get you to the shop) by wrapping a large cable tie or two around the shift rod and torque tube very close to the socket on the bell housing to hold it down. I would shift very gently.

I'm in Texas and can't help with a shop.

I also suggest checking the bearing body 928-424-029-00 (# 2 in the illustration) which is what connects to the shifter shaft at the front of the transaxle.

The angular joint 928-424-005-01  (#7) at the rear of the bell housing is what was previously mentioned. [attachment=1413]Angular joint socket.JPG

Thank you for the insight.