tough shifting question

[GDR]

I have a 74 which is good original shape. Runs great but recently I have to use some muscle to get it in and out of 1st and 2nd gear while running. Any suggestions or ideas as to why and what I can do to make shifting easier?

[Woreign]

You might need to replace the shift rod bushing and coupling and/or adjust the lock-out plate. I did this a few months ago and it restored smooth shifting. It wasn't too difficult either.

Another cause could be the transmission fluid. It may need to be replaced. I've read that using synthetic improves performance over conventional.

[Towel Rail]

Worn-out synchros will keep it from "falling" into gear. Most common in 1st and 2nd. Blipping the throttle between gears while downshifting might help.
_________________
1974 Thing -- under the knife
1967 Beetle -- spring/summer/fall driver
1996 Subaru OBW (EJ22, 5-speed, AWD) -- winter car, 3-seasons "don't feel like biking today" car

049 > 070 > 053 > 009

[kubelmann]

On my current big resto there is a Thing trans that had major synchro issues when I first got it. I performed a 3,000 mile fluid therapy to try to clean the trans enough to gain back function. I got all back except the first gear synchro and only in the downshift function did it not heal. On this resto it will head to a restore or a replace. I suspect it will become a five speed Berg with a 1776 and a single NDIX Zenith...