shifts very hard.
 

My grandson has a 1955 Chieftain With auto trans on the column (of course). The shift lever moves very hard even with the linkage disconnected from the trans. He bought it this way. What could be causing the problem? Thanks.

My guess is that the old grease in the steering column is hard as a rock. Might try spraying some penetrating oil in where the shift lugs are. Would be best to remove the column and tear it down for inspection.

Disconnect the rod from the lever in the transmission and move each of them.

Transmission lever moves freely but shifter is hard to move.