You're not alone gmonde. We have been fighting this problem for 3 years now. It was bad enough at one time that we had to bring extra shift levers to the track just to make it through a race. After installing a new one (3/4), it would immediately start twisting and eventually break. When we removed the nut and slid the lever off, the internal hole would be rounded out. Lever was tight, but still moved around. We been through every test imaginable and haven't found a cause. These are the NASCAR hardened, long shift levers. Long shifter, as well. Everything is adjusted properly. Similar situation. We've run the same Jerico for YEARS without fail, then all of a sudden, BOOM, problems around every corner! The one variable you might check is that your bellhousing is indexed properly. If the transmission is misaligned, it will put too much stress on the main shaft and shift forks (and gears), causing the need to use too much force when shifting. We should be out testing in the next couple of weeks. If we figure something out, I'll post it here. Might be time for a Liberty.