[Johnny_P]

Well, I'm not sure how the SVT is, but on my '00 I had to re-install the shifter a few times. I couldn't get the left-to-right return spring to seat correctly, it was getting sandwiched between the shifter base and the swing arm. Once I got that spring figured out the shifting was SO much smoother. I'd tell you to just go over the install one more time, it doesn't take very long to do (I can do it in like 30 mins tops).

If that doesn't help anything then there's a how to on focushacks.com that shows you how to re-center your shifter cables. Might want to give that a look, but again, I'm not sure if it applies to the SVT or not.

Oh, while you're at it, check to see if your shifter base has cracked. Most STSs for the SVT will include a metal top brace or something, because the SVT base has been known to break from time to time.