[storm9c1]

Unhook the linkage in the engine compartment at the firewall. Get inside and move the shifter. See if the lever moves freely then. If so, then it's in the linkage going to the trans and not the column. One note: if you have a tilt column and you have the long pointer, remove it so it doesn't get broken. I don't remember when the column changed.

Next step is to unhook the trans and move the lever by hand. If that is stiff, then it's inside the trans. Otherwise you can work the linkage by hand and see if that's stiff. If it's a problem with the linkage rods, chances are they just got rusty on you and need some TLC.