[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Try adjusting the clutch first. It's a heck of a lot cheaper and easier.

The "grinds into first or reverse" is very often a sign of a clutch that needs adjustment. If that doesn't work, perhaps changing the tranny fluid might? Not likely, but again a lot cheaper and easier than replacing the 1st gear synchro.

Try the cheap and easy things first. If they work, you come out far ahead, and if they don't work, you're only a little more behind.

--DD