1978 35HP 35853r loose shift lever

[NicoPags]

Just some questions regarding the behavior of the lever whilst in forward gear. As the video shows I do have the lower unit dropped. My mind has me wanting to believe that's the cause however I want to make sure as seloc manual has no coverage on this particular topic at all. The lever is very tight in Rev and neutral. Parts manual does show that theres another lever and more hardware within the exhaust housing. If thats where the problem lies does the exhaust housing separate from powered without total overhaul/removal? Thanks a million in advance!

1978 35 Evinrude 35853r loose shifter in forward: https://youtu.be/C5qVRVkNbFE