Here's a picture off the net. Looks (to me) like it's in neutral. Note the hole where the neutral gate alignment pin fits directly above the 3-4 shift rod swivel on the shifter.....…….
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Hard shifting could be as simple as a trans lube issue or a rusty grit caked up misaligned shifter.
I think I would try to isolate the issue. Find neutral for all three with all the
rods off the shift tabs. Note the force it takes to shift in and out of all the forward speeds one at a time. The forward speeds should be comparable to each other. Reset all into neutral, then preform the shifter alignment using the neutral gate pin or plate for the shifter. Don't forget to clean and lube the shift mechanism as well.
