Jeff 6559, the "notchy" feel of the shifter may have something to do with the spring and ball at the bottom of your shifter arm at the bottom of the shifter box. This is a detent mechanism designed to give weight and a precise feel to the shift position. Many of us have removed this ball and spring to give the shifter a looser and smoother touch. You might pull the shift arm and see if these parts are still there.
Later, Mooso.
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