Getting hard to shift into 1st & 3rd

[blueescortzx2]

Its starting to get hard to shift into 1st & 3rd. When I put it in those gears there is some resestions to it. but once it in, it feels like it in. I am hopping it just a bushing. Any help would get great.

[blueescortzx2]

no help. Do you guys need more information? please ask.

[capitalcrew]

Ever grind?

Synchro or fork maybe.

[mechtech]

Adjust your pedal height and then the freeplay to the pushrod [to zero]
Use a dedicated trans fluid, not ATF. Redline MTL, Amsoiil MTF, or GM or Pennzol Synchromesh are great.
Bleed your clutch system.
Check, replace and lube your shifter ball and bushings.

[beachbum]

I just had this exact same problem as well. It was really hard to get it into 1st and 3rd gear and I thought my tranny was taking a dump on me. But instead I did what mechtech suggested and adjusted my pedal height. Solved the problem right away, and now it shifts like butter.

[ChillinZX]

Use B&M Trickshift fluid. It's been working awesome for me the past year and a half.

[MrDS0613]

Adjust your pedal height and then the freeplay to the pushrod [to zero]
Use a dedicated trans fluid, not ATF. Redline MTL, Amsoiil MTF, or GM or Pennzol Synchromesh are great.
Bleed your clutch system.
Check, replace and lube your shifter ball and bushings.

How exactly do you make these adjustments? Are there any special tools required?

[mechtech]

What did you see when you actually looked and tried to perform these maintenance duties?

[MrDS0613]

What did you see when you actually looked and tried to perform these maintenance duties?

I saw what looked to be a nut on a rod that connected the back of the pedal to a piston in the fire wall.

[mechtech]

First, adjust the pedal for a bit more travel. There is a stop at the top of the pedal - rubber/plastic with a locknut. Loosen the locknut, and unscrew it 1/2 turn so the pedal comes up a little more, then retighten the locknut. THEN adjust the pushrod you saw. Loosen the locknut, and turn the rod until there is zero freeplay [or maybe a hair], then tighten the locknut.
Only takes a minute or two.

There is a 23mm bolt on the bottom of the trans to drain it. The fill bolt is identical - facing forward on the trans. Use a funnel and an extension, or a flex funnel to fill it. With the car on level ground, fill it until it won't take any more, and runs out. This will be from 3 to 3.5 qts.
You don't even need to jack the car up for this.
Another 15 minutes.

Suck out the old fluid from the brake master cylinder with a clean turkey baster or similar tool, and fill with fresh brake fluid. Open the 8mm bleeder screw on the slave cylinder and let it drain. Use a piece of hose on the nipple to route the fluid so it doesn't spill all over. Do NOT touch the clutch pedal with this method. Just let it drain. Keep the reservoir filled while it is draining - you don't want to admit air. Then tighten the screw and refill the reservoir.
ABout 5 -10 minutes.

[MrDS0613]

Thanks for the help mechtech. My last question is what size wrench/wrenches are needed to loosen the locknuts and make adjustments?