A few tricks up my sleeve, first lubricate, the shaft where it goes through the housing with a good quality penatrating oil. Let it soak for a while and hit it again. That should cut the rust that has formed around it. The lever should free up enough to move back and forth. Use a good quality lube oil on it and all the pivot points, wouldn't be a bad idea. I was told at service school that the oring groove was installed on the shaft to far in not allowing tranny fluid to lubricate the shaft pivot point Alot of other companies are having the same issues. Trac