1000 lift frame
 

I took the mower deck off today and noticed the front of the lift frame isnt seated perfectly into the “quick hitch” in the front. Actually it fell out so I don’t think it was seated in there at all.

Question is, is there an easy way to get it to slide into place? Seems very very hard and it’s nit far enough back so the Quick Hitch locks. Thoughts?

Probably sprung.
Remove the mule drive and lay it on a flat surface and it should be evident.
Also check the lift arms on the rock shaft for parallel.

Some frame assys. (part 9) had two holes for the lift links (part 8). If that's what you have, you might try the other holes.

check the front axle pin to make sure it's not coming out the front keeping the mower frame from going back far enough to latch in.

Ditto. Check the uprights to see if there are 90° to the horizontal rails.

part 7 was sitting on top of bar, not through bar (the open end with the 2 pieces of steel). It had been that way a while, I had to pry the bars apart slightly then it went back together. Guessing previous owner did not assemble properly....

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I play with it more!

That would do it!
Case closed...
But...
You should still check and inspect it well when off the tractor to make sure all the geometry is copasetic, savvy??

You may have to add weld to the tops of the arms where they slip into #10
That is a main wear point in addition to the end you mentioned that slips over the rock shaft.

I layed it flat and it was square.

I took the mowing deck off and plan on leaving it off for now, but I"ll keep an eye on those areas if I put deck back on. Thanks!

-JOE