I trying to get my 3spd O/D to shift as smooth as it can. The schematic of the shifter arms to trans shows a wave washer installed on the end of the shifter rod where it attaches to the shift lever and also to the transmission lever followed by a 5/16 flat washer and a cotter pin. I’m missing the wave washers and thought this an easy fix until I crawled under the car. I can barely see the rod ends let alone get my hands on them. It looks like I may be able to get at the shifter connections if I remove the muffler on the drivers side. The end that attaches to the transmission is another issue. Can anyone offer any advice?

1955 312 T-Bird Warwick, NY