Hi. This is my first post here. I tried using the search function but I was using too many common words so if this is a double post I apologize and ask that you point me in the right direction if possible. Ok, heres the problem.

It's my sister-in-laws 96 Eddie Bauer. It has the straight six (4.9?) with a manual trans. She said that she went to pull out of the drive way yesterday and nothing happen. I went over and looked at it thinking maybe the clutch was gone or maybe the slave or master cylinder went bad. First and second gear are gone completely- no grinding or any noise with the clutch in or out. Third, fourth, fifth and reverse are fine as I managed to drive it to my house. When you try first or second you can still feel the "gates" so to speak. I.E. like it feels like its going in to gear when you shift. It has always taken a little extra umph to get it into any gear ever since she bought it. It has over 160k on it so I figure the trans has finally given out but I thought I would see if there was something to check before I tear it out to replace it. Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts about this. I'd appreciate any input. If you need anymore info just let me know. Thanks.