There is always a possibility that the shift shaft is bent. If it was shifted aburtly or forced into gear when it didnt want to be shifted.. the shift shaft could be bent and binding... Just another thought.

MnFastBoat, How the heck are you?? Been a while! And yes we covered this a long while back..
Dick

Cables fixed my problem hope yours is alset. I also greaded the pivot ball for good measure.
-Mike

Been great! Busy as heck with everything going on. Wished I was on the boat!!

I blew my drive the first time out this year a couple weeks ago. I just installed a brand new XR and replaced the lower shift cable. The shifter works like butter now. The original lower shift cable was shot.. Thanks for all the help...Jeff Wurl

Good stuff jeff glad it worked out for you.
-Mike

I have the same problem but mine is in the outdrive. Cables and shifter work perfect when drive is removed. What is the best way to fix it?

read farther back into this post, or another post states about this.

there is a detent ball that was my problem
No reason to pull drive for this, if its a Bravo, not sure about others.
Bravo one, rear facing cover, pull off, will loose some fluid