Mariner 4A 6EO 4hp outboard very hard to shift

Sorry, I'm a beginner and have replaced a few parts so far (if it's not one thing, it's another). This motor sat for at least 5 years that I'm aware of, after a lot of time and effort we did get it to start, but this is a persistent problem. When putting the motor in forward or reverse, or back to neutral from these positions, I feel like I'm about to break the gear shifter. The grease where the handle meets the engine is hardened up so we are WD-40ing it, but there's got to be more to it than dried up grease. There is oil at the bottom next to the propeller, it's the right color and everything, no water in it.

I don't shift the gears unless it's running...give it a try to see if it is different.

When we had it out on the water last weekend it was still tough to shift even while running.. Maybe a little easier but not much.