column shifter too stiff?

[swing69]

76 Dart, 3 on the tree. shifter works fine in the up and down throws.

Pulling in the center of the 'H"l...very stiff. especially cold. spring return to the 2-3 slot seems to work.

Question: how do I lubricate or/and adjust the resistance of the column shifter lever? car is full assembled.....

Car has been sitting for a few years - inside thankfully

thanks

 

[RedFish]

You'll probably find the top of the shdift tube worn and moving sideways. They eventually get so bad that the shift lever breaks through the hole where its pivot pin goes through ( over stressed at weak point ). I've seen this a bunch of times over the years, mostly work trucks/vans of all makes.
Was a time when the dealership could get a shift tube and other column parts. I dont know what might be available today. Bottom line... if you dont repair the column you may suddenly become shiftless.