Troubles getting into first gear
 

I have replaced the shifter bushings except the one at the firewall. Lately when I try to put the transmission into first it will go into third instead. It takes a lot of force(two hands) to get it into first gear. Would bad bushings at the firewall cause this, or could it be the syncros within the transmission. I'm looking for a quick fix...anything other than rebuilding the trannsmission. Thanks.

CoryB

Sounds like a shift linkage problem to me. I'd start by taking a look at that bushing, and then going to adjust the shifter/tunnel shift rod adjustment (the bolt you see on the linkage if you lift up the shift boot).

Yup, most likely the linkage. Possibly bushings, possibly adjustment. Check the "shifting improvements" Tech Article available elsewhere on this site.

--DD

Have you installed a short shifter? My car had one when I got it, and it took a lot of force to push it into the R-1 gate against the lockout springs. Putting in a stock shift lever fixed that.

To isolate the problem disconnect the shifting rod at the transmission and check that you can get to all the gears by just using the shifter arm at the tranny.

Ken

This may seem stoopid, but have you done anything with the drivers side seat belt bolt? Guess how I know.....

Dave