You need to take it easy on pulling the shift lever back and forth so you don't break off the tip. If it was mine I would take a punch and drive the roll pin out and take the lever out of the column. Then take penetrating spray with the hose on the nozzle and spray some down into the pin that is inside the column. After spraying it a few times put the lever back in and see if it gets better. You may have to do it a few times to get it smooth.