[Gompers]

Originally Posted by ccpullin

Yes, the linkage is a little loose here and there because of its age and use. It appears your main issue is collapsed springs. Don't pull the rear axle out yet. Pull the tunnel cover and LR tire off then you can get a pair of snap ring pliers through the inspection hole in the frame to remove the snap ring for the damper plate. Then pull the snap ring off for the control cam plate. You can now slide the damper plate over far enough to install new springs and washers. Install 2 new springs from Cub Cadet, place the washers as I instructed you, then compress and slide them all in. Reinstall the snap rings, install tire and adjust the drag on the hydro control lever nut then take her for a spin. I think you will find the springs will repair 90% of the issues you are having! If everything is fine and neutral is right, install the tunnel cover.

Breakdown Picture

https://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/A...0-A/0030900050

Might also want to shim up that damper plate to help eliminate the side to side play. That changes the geometry of the linkage enough to cause issues sometimes. It's a 5/8" ID shaft. I use https://www.mcmaster.com/3088a323 for that job.