Tractor Repair: Hard Shifting IH 1466, linkage problems, park lever

Question
I've replaced the internal components of my IH 1466 with A&I parts ( springs, HI-LO arm assy, reverse detent plate, arm assy, etc) and still experience some difficulty in shifting (sometimes not fully engaging in low range causing it to jump out of low range when shifting to low). I also experience some difficulty when shifting from forward ranges to reverse. It appears there is still some slop in the linkage associated with the shifter handles. Will replacing/repairing these linkages likely result in improved shifter performance. If so which parts experience the most wear based on your  20 years of experience.

Thanks
Tim

Answer
Hello,

  IH tractors were notorious for hard shifting and linkage problems.  The bushings, pivots, ball joints, and linkage in front of the dash on the right side wear out, and the arms on top of the transmission under the platform get loose on the shafts that go down into the transmission.  Remove the hood panels to get at the linkages in front of the dash and look for slop in the joints and shaft pivots.  Also check at the bottom of the steering column pedestal where the pedestal is mounted to the speed transmission.  There is a pin that goes through the vertical shaft by the park lever interlock that gets loose and worn out.