Shifting linkage on a 1995 ford aspire is loose?

I jusIt got a 1995 ford aspire and the shifting linkage is very loose and hard to shift like that , is there any adjustment or do I have to buy a whole new shifter n linkage for it . 5 speed of course . It will still shift ,but its a pain in the *** being so loose ,its hard to find the gear your looking for . Anyone know for sure what to do ?. Is this a common problem ?