Re: Shifting trouble
These old Chryslers have a shift linkage with a lot of bends and there is a lot of compliance in it. AND the cable itself has more mechanical advantage when put in reverse position. The net result is that if there is any binding, it is usually easier to put the engine in reverse than forward.
You did not say so I will assume that you have owned the engine a while and this is a recent occurrence.
It is not your lower unit. However, if the shift rod seal on the lower unit has swelled or is too tight on the shift rod, the engine may shift well into reverse and poorly or not at all into forward. The other thing to check is the area around the shift rod where it enters the lower unit. Silt builds up in this area and will set up like concrete, grabbing the shift rod.
Of course, you must check the shift rod coupler inside the midleg shroud to be sure it is properly adjusted. Neutral should be the center of total travel.
The coupler is locked with a locknut and it is threaded right hand on one end and left on the other, so turning one way lengthens the linkage giving more throw to forward and the other direction shortens it giving more throw to reverse. If the linkage is too short, reverse will,be positive and forward will be non-existent or problematical.
