Abstract: A shifter for a manual transmission has a lever arm extending upward from the transmission housing. The lever arm has a ball pivotable in a socket for gear selection, so that the gear shift handle can revolve about the pivot. The lever arm includes trunnions sliding in slots to prevent the lever arm from twisting. The invention offsets the axis of the trunnions from the geometric center of the ball; this offset prevents binding and allows smooth shifting. The invention may include springs for pressing the ball into the socket, adjustable stop members for limiting the throw of the lever arm, and a mounting plate and cover for holding the ball-and-socket joint together.