The shift knob is for a four speed and the t-176 was stock for a 85 CJ but to be sure you should look under the CJ and be sure it has not been changed. You can find the T-176 in our data base here -->> https://jeep-cj.com/community/threads/manual-cj-transmissions.43554/ or just click on the T-176 keyword.
If it is just worn shift forks they can be replaced by pulling the cover but if it is an internal problem you need to rebuild the transmission.
And even it is just a shift fork, you should still drop the tranny. Just removing the tunnel cover will provide only Limited space to work to get the trans cover off and access to the parts for a quality job. On the other hand, no big issue dropping the tranny and it's a few hours on a Sat on the work bench type of rebuild effort. The T-150 3-speed and the T-176 4-speed are simple and easy to deal with. Take a good look at the transfer case too while you got the pair out and on the bench.
CJ7 Reman 258, Np435, twin stick 300 dana, Currie 44's both ends with DetroitTrac both ends and chrome moly 35 spline shafts, Maxis Razor 33;s Gps based speedo.