My brother is the primary user of my car right now ('90 GXL) and this morning he called me from his work saying that it was really rough to engage the gears. Later on, while I was driving to orientation at CC, I also agreed. The clutch is going in just fine, no problems there, but going from gate to gate it is really notchy/rough. The interesting bit is that yesterday it was just fine, and today it takes alot more effort to row the box.

Any suggestions?

 

Is it more stiff between certain gears? I know in my fc because of bad shifter bushings it's rough going from first to second and sometimes have problems from second to third

 

Low transmission fluid?

 

I'd definitely check your clutch fluid level and condition. I was surprised as what a difference clean, fresh hydraulic fluid made for me in terms of shift quality. If you have a leak, it is time to replace your master, slave and flexible line.

 

Is the shifter any more sloppy moving? If so, it may be something as simple as the bushings. Some of the broken parts may be down inside and causing the shift to be harder to do.

 

When you pull the shifter to check the bushing, check to see if there is any fluid remaining. Over time, if no fluid, the shifting can become harder and seem like overnight the rods bind.

 

i kinda have the same deal topped off clutch fluid and it grinds a tiny bit going into 3rd i think its just bad syncros but if its something else do tell.

 

Well, while replacing the brake master I also bled the clutch hydro (only a few times, the lack of a way to immobilize the clutch and no return spring in the clutch master scared me and my brother off), but the shifting has improved somewhat, also topped the resivor. Damn, that fluid was filthy!

 

I don't understand this. Why did you need to immobilize the clutch to bleed the hydraulics?

Keep an eye on the color of your new clutch fluid. If the fluid gets filthy fast again, you may also have deteriorating seals in the slave and/or breakdown of the rubber in the flexible hose. Might want to plan on replacing those soon too.