Hard to Shift from Park to Reverse (some troubleshooting performed) 2010 5.7L

I have a 2010 Tundra Base Crewmax 5.7L w/Towing Package

I bought this truck from the original owner maybe 3K miles ago (currently has 93K on it).

It has always had a small problem shifting from Park to Reverse. Most times because of the force I need to use, it goes to N or D, then I just move it back to R. He checked it and thought it was always like that. From R down the line, shifting feels normal. I am always on flat ground, and use the parking brake.

For troubleshooting, I first opened the steering column and lightly re-greased all the friction points I could see with no real change.

Then I got underneath and disconnected the shift cable from the transmission, and from the cab, the shift lever was buttery smooth.

With a pair of pliers, shifting underneath directly at the transmission, it is definitely a little harder from P to R. From R to everything else is much smoother.

Is it possible the problem is the electronic box on the outside of the transmission (Neutral Safety Switch?)?

Or is this more serious, like something inside the transmission?

On a long shot, I wonder if there is a TSB that might apply to this?

On a side note, I just did a drain and fill with ATF-WS according to the official procedure (about 4 quarts), but unfortunately no change good or bad. I don't think the ATF fluid had ever been changed.

Thanks,

Chris

 

My 2021 shifter takes 2 hands to shift out of park from the day I bought it. I have tennis elbow and thought it was me. My 08 has shifter on console and is easy.

 

Yeah, seems others have a similar issue. Thanks for confirming.