Sounds good that you found the "leaning" problem! Hopefully, you can straighten out the frame some.
I usually pull the engine, to remove the drive line for service. It's easier in the long run, in my opinion. I already broke one cooling fan already while trying with the engine still in the bay. You'll most likely find that both ends of the drive line are worn.
Hopefully you get that spool valve freed up!
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IH CUB CADET 1450, 72, 86, 1211, IH #2 CART, IH 56" SNOW BLADE, COLLECTING CUB CADET ENGINES
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