Check the connector that screws into the tranny that controls the reverse light. There is supposed to be a washer there. If you do not use the washer there reverse will be ahrd to get in and out of.

you are genius. i had a random washer left over and i couldn't for the life of me remember what it was from..... I GUARANTEE that's what it is.

thank you so much! ill try it 2morro morning.

turns out it was the washer issue. I pulled out the sensor and it went in and out of rev. like butter. unfortunately i lost the washer... haha