Truck: 1994 F-150 4WD, Manual 5-speed, 4.9L

Problem: Sometimes, not all of the time, shifting into first is a real pain! For example, the other day I was backing out of a parking spot and when I went to shift from reverse to first gear, the shift lever would not physically push into first gear.

I have found, via trial and error, two solutions to this problem are to:
1. Turn off the motor, shift into first, then start it back up, or....
2. ...wait for about 20 seconds.

Apparently something in the transmission is still spinning, preventing the gears from engaging. When the deal stops spinning (either by shutting off the engine or waiting) the gears can then mesh.

(I've noticed that if I push gently on the shift lever while experiencing this problem - I can feel the "internal transmission workings" slow down and as it stops, the gear teeth chatter, then after it completely stops, first gear can be achieved!)

I did check the tranny fluid level and everything is OK!

Anybody have any ideas?
(bad synchronizer, linkage adjustment, power assist failure...)

PS - I bought the truck 2 years ago and I doubt the clutch pads have been changed.

 

First gear IS NOT SYNCHRONIZED! Sorry, all you urban cowboys, first is not meant as a regular take off gear in pickups.

------------------
'98 F150 XL Regular Cab, LWB, 4.2L V6, 5 Spd, 3.55 LS, Rhino Lining, factory heavy duty suspension, 3" Gibson Swept Side Cat Back, K&N filter, Oxford White minus the two tone garbage. BIG TIME FoMoCo p/u fan, not some fair weather hammerhead.

 

Try shifting into second before you put the lever into first. My friend has the same truck as you and it will get going easily from a stop in 2nd gear.

 

First and Reverse are not synchronized, try shifting into fourth and then in to first. I had to do that on every manual I have had from Ford's to Toyota's. Also try letting out on the clutch pedal a little bit as you shift in to first.

this is probably covered in the owner's manual if you have it.

 

The problem I run into is that if doesn't shift into 1st gear, then won't shift into any others either. Sometimes it will slide into Reverse, but only rarely. I was never able to shift into 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th when this problem occurs!

A friend told me he had a similar problem and it was the slave cylinder in the tranny. $60 and a day's worth of ripping and tearing will solve the problem. I may just have the tranny rebuilt to prevent future problems!

To all, please offer any recommendations or past experiences that will make this job easier!