I have a 2000 f350 7.3 rwd about 250k. Just purchased it and the shifter was very tight hard to get into gear. As Murphys law and my luck would have it the shifter tube snapped. I disconnected the shifter cable from under the dash and at the trans to see if it was bound,It moves freely. Next i suspected it was the Neutral SS I picked up a new one at Advanced Auto.
The old one was very difficult to remove off the shaft. I cleaned up the shaft with a light sanding and scribed the two small grooves. The new switch would not slid on easy, i applied a light coat of anti-seize to try to slide it on easier no luck. I was able to get it on with some heavy tapping and everything lined up and torqued down.
When I tried to put it through the gears it is still incredibly difficult. I loosened the to bolts hold the switch and it allows the shifter to move as it should. Of course the loosness allows the switch to fall out of possition.

What am I missing can the new switch be bad?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

Well upon a more detailed inspection i found light scale rust on the shaft, it couldn't be wire brushed it needed to be chiseled off. All is well now! hope this might help someone with a similar issue.