1998 115 johnson shift shaft stuck

[j_johnson33]

My motor is a '98 j115elecm 60deg Had a slight issue with not going into reverse gear unless i gave it more throttle, the shift cable was adjusted all the way out so I replaced it thinking it was streched. I decided to check the shift shaft height since i needed to relplace the impeller anyway (3+years). I dropped the lower unit and the shift rod is amost impossible to move up down or turn. i removed the 6 bolts holing down the cover and can move the rodd in and out of gear with no problem. it seems like the rod has seized inside the cover?? I can turn the rod so my thought my thought was to just turn it till it comes out and buy a new rod and cover and replace all the parts. Unless you guys can give me better insight on how to un stick it.. i dont wnat to heat or bang on it in fear of dammaging something else.

If i do decide to get all new part will it just slip back together?

thanks