The mower deck is no longer at its original height. Hanger brackets and cables are intact and both hitch pins are properly engaged. Suspect that the attachment of cables to level control arm is worn or loose. Need to know the best way to get to the cable – control arm connection. Remove deck or rear plate? Also, the blades are level but no longer reach the same height they once did. Any help would be appreciated.

What do you mean the blades are not reaching the same height? And are you sure all brackets and cables are intact?