Looked but can't find this scenario: have a 2004 Rancher AT that we bought used. At first it drove perfect then developed an issue where it wouldn't shift out of neutral into reverse very well. Now it will not shift at all. It has the 3 position lever to the left of the fuel tank to change between D-N-R. The only way to get it in gear is to put the lever into D or R then go to the shaft on the side of the transmission/ engine where the shift cable goes and use a pliers to manually assist it. Took the cable off at the transmission end and it moves easily when disconnected, the shaft into the transmission is what turns hard. Does the same thing weather it is running or not. What is my most likely issue here, what do I need to look at?

TIA