We can get the shifter ball repair kit at work.Are all your motor mounts good?Take the shifter boot (inside the car) off and have a look at the nylon gate when you are shifting into 1/R and also pulling up. That should tell you if it is the ball that is worn.Where are you located?
If the ball and socket are very worn, it will be hard to address anything else before replacing them. Unfortunely it is one of those jobs where that part cost nothing but the labor is lots. Part of the exhaust must be dropped and the heat shield removed. But you also said that it is hard to shift into 1st and reverse.Are you sure the clutch is releasing? try shifting when the motor is stopped. If it goes into gear then it's either the clutch adjustment or the clutch is shot.