is there supposed to be a bushing between the bottom of the shifter support, and the top of the metal "tab" that is also in the same area?, it would keep the shifter from pinging the drive shaft

Theres a cushion rubber part and a lot of bushings in there. Has the bolt that supports the bracket to the trans tunnel come loose?

pic tomorrow

the ping is heard when shifting to a bottom row gear, or tapping on the shifter

I have had driveshafts ping on other vehicles.. its always been just before the U joints go out...its that clear resounding ping like you whak the shaft with a wrench or something