Shifter stuck after winter storage

[DSM4me44]

I did some searching and wasn't able to locate a thread that was of much help or having the same similar issues. If anyone knows of a thread please post it and I appologize for starting a new one.

I got my car out of storage for the winter. When in storage it was parked and put in 1st gear. I went to get it out of storage and it shifts fine up and down (1st to 2nd, 3rd to 4th, etc.) However, if I try and move it sideways in neutral or from 2nd to 3rd, it feels STIFF and I mean takes a WHOLE LOT of arm power to move it. If i move it awhile it gets a little easier but not a huge deal, just enough to drive.

Would cable bushings cause a problem moving it side to side or would it be an issue with the cables or shifter itself. I have inspected the linkage to obstruction and nothing is interfering with the cables or shift weight.

 

[sschambers]

Take out the center console and look around in there to see if anyhing could be obstructing the shifter or cables.
Also try dis-connecting the cables from the transmission and manually shift the levers yoursrelf to see if they're in smooth operating order, just to rule out an internal problem like a bad shift fork or something.
The only problem I ever had with a shifter was when I was sitting in traffic, went to put it in 1st, and had the entire shifter come apart and lifted upwards. Had to quickly rip out the console and drive home shifting with the cables (not fun) seems there is a weld on the shift plate from the factory that had busted.

 

[keilum]

I had a similar issue to that mine was one of the bolts that held the shifter in place ended up to tight, after loosen it up a little worked fine.

 

[95'RS-T]

kinda sounds like linkage to me either that or thrust bearing try lubing the cables with 3in1 oil from the inside of the car and under the hood might make it easier.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

It sounds like the pivot linkage that bolts to the bell housing. Those get stuck all the time, I've seen it several times. It's easy to fix, just dissconnect the shift cable that goes to the vertical facing shift arm on the transmission, and take out the two 12mm bolts that hold the arm to the bellhousing. Then you can remove the part, and fix it out of the car. Be careful when you remove it though, because you could lose the little square nylon bushing when you separate it from the other part of the linkage.

Once you have it out, you just remove the little rubber cap, and you'll find a 12mm nut where it pivots. Unscrew that, take it apart, wire wheel it or whatever, grease it, and put it all back together.