Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray Rider transmission, silk purse, boat anchor

Question
Hi. The model number on my Murray rider is 42813x92b and manufactured number is 0974. The problem I'm having is my rear axle is jumping and binding on me. When i shift from reverse to a forward gear i have to keep the back wheels moving in order for it to lock into the forward gear. I have had two people tell me that they think the transmission is going bad. The transmission is a Spicer and the model number on that is 4360-70. Also there will be times when i shift that it will not go into gear and set there then out of the blue it locks into gear. I was wondering if i should just replace the transmission or maybe try and get it rebuilt. There is a clicking in the back wheels when they are spun. Also when it dose go into gear it shifts so hard that it throws me forward a little bit. Also there will be times when it goes into gear but I can feel it struggling to go like the transmission is bound up.

Answer
The "truthmeister" isn't going to say anything positive here.

Boat anchor,, Have a garage sale.

This tractor is a throw away.  Trans rebuild cost 300.00.

Shift keys are shot. Parts cost; 30.00 if you can do it yourself.

Even an expert can make a silk purse out of a pig's ear