92 hard to get into first gear

[ShiggityShawn]

just bought a 92 sho last week, and noticed that first gear is extremely difficult to get into. otherwise all of the gears slide in nice. i push the clutch in as far as it goes, but 1st is still difficult. i can get it in first, but i have to SLAM it in. any idea what could be causing it or how to fix it? any help would be appreciated.

 

[Lorenr]

Change the trans fluid

If the car is new to you, change the fluid. Sounds as though the transmission is in good shape thus maintaining it would be in your best interest.

Could be the clutch, but if it was mine, I would first:
1. use the search feature and install a trans drain plug, if it does not have one.
2. drain the fluid.
3. replace with Mobil 1 ATF or Pennzoil Synchromesh, depending. Use search to see what might be best for you.
4. fill to proper level.

If it still is hard to shift then it may be a pressure plate or throw out bearing issue.
Protect your transmission. Good ones are hard to find.

 

[SHOVNST]

Syncro.

 

[rubydist]

is it the same whether you go into 2nd and then 1st? or only if you go directly into 1st?

It could be synchros, as was mentioned. It could be the clutch, as was mentioned. It could also be a bad bearing on the input shaft that makes the input shaft stop very quickly when you push in the clutch - I had that on one of my cars.

test it by shifting (at a dead stop) into 2nd or 3rd or 4th. If it acts exactly the same way, you know it is not synchros, since you know it shifts fine under way. that leaves you with either the clutch or a bearing - in either case the trans needs to come out to fix it.