Stickey Manual shifter?

[techieman33]

I have a manual trans and up until now the shifter has been really smooth, but in the last couple of days it seems to stick, and I have to force it into gear. I'm pretty sure it's not a clutch issue because i'm not hearing any grinding or anything. Any thoughts?

 

[410Fortune]

yes
first check the condition of the bushings in the shifter mount (see Rock rangers recent build thread for pics of how bad they get, what replacements look like)

check the condition of the rubber plugs on top of your 5 speed

check the fluid level

Then suspect the clutch, when your slave cylinder goes south, the drive disc gets worn out, or the pressure plate gets worn out the clutch will not open fully, making it harder and harder to get your trans into gear.