Is there somewhere this can be lubricated just outside the housing close to motor looks as if possibly a cap I could open..or somewhere under/inside the dash ..any insight or suggestions please..2005 Ford Ranger..Can move the arm but it's very tough/stiff

 

No, not likely to be a lubrication issue
Is the shift lever on the column loose at all?

It is worth looking in the engine bay at the shift cable where it comes out of the firewall and loops back down to transmission, look for cable damage

Block the rear wheel so truck can't roll
Shift transmission into Neutral
Key/engine off
Get under truck and remove shifter cable from shifter arm

Move the shift arm by hand and see if its stiff, shouldn't be too hard to move, if it is you will need to drop the pan and have a look inside
Picture here of whats inside trans, just a roller spring and the detents(teeth): https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/a...4&d=1501290594

Now get in the truck and try shift lever(while its still disconnected)
If its hard to move then most likely its the shift tube inside the column

Google: How to Replace Steering Column Shift Clamp and Bushing 95-11 Ford Ranger

Watch the video

Might not be the bushing, might be the tube itself, but you will know more after disassembling to have a look

 

that assembly on side of transmission that fits over shaft can cause gear shift to almost have to use two hands to put in gear. I’ve had to replace one on an F150 and a ranger. It has a neutral mark you line up, make sure transmission is in neutral and slap it on there. Something to check before removing pan. If you take it off and stick lever back in shaft and it shifts easy then you know it’s the neutral switch. Several videos on YouTube for reference. Have a good day.

 

I am experiencing this exact problem now. Can anyone recommend some illustrations, photos or v-clips. My Haynes manual lacks bits here and there. many thanks