860 PTO shaft question

My shaft is straight its self, but the splines are straigth for around 2 1/2 inches, then all of then curve over to the left a bit, and continue to go down sort of at a slant then... sort of like

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but not that surveire.

Long story portion:

I've been having a problem engaging and disengaging while the PTO is tightened in the shaft. At first i thought it was rusted... (tractor set for 20 years, fixed engine, on to PTO)

When i pulled out the shaft, the level that engages it worked and slid back in. When i put the shaft back in it worked engaging and disengaging, until it was fully in, then it wouldn't move back and forth. I figured it was that the part inside wasn't sliding freely on the end of the shaft, and it looks like the splines on the shaft arn't completely straight.

Is this the problem?

IS this common to happen to the PTO if not engaged properly with the clutch?

I was sort of hopping that was the problem.

Because thats what made sense, and it seems easier to fix then if there was something else with the engage/disengaging.

Although I guess the shaft is like 100 bucks or so.

Is there anyway to heat up mine and twist it? Or should i just stop being so cheap and buy a new shaft?

A new shaft is about $75; HD $85; and shaft with rear bearing $100.

If you can shift your PTO ok with out the shaft in replace the shaft. It is the problem from the info you have given.

Causes of twisting are engaging PTO with motor above idle or hitting a stump with brush cutter.