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> Grinding going into 1st gear
Thunderchief
post Feb 19 2026, 10:34 PM
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Most of the time shifting from neutral to 1st at a stop will grind but if I'm still rolling and shift into 1st then its fine. I don't like holding the clutch while waiting for the light to turn though.

What is your best guess to what it might be?

Thanks.
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brant
post Feb 20 2026, 07:37 AM
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1st gear slider

Expensive part

Very common
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Chad911sc
post Feb 20 2026, 08:14 AM
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Mine was doing the exact same thing when I bought my car last year. I thought the transmission needed rebuilt or replaced. After much reading on this site, I thought I would try the tangerine racing shifter set up. I changed the side shift bar and the bearing at the firewall. I also did the console adapter fix at the transmission that gives the shift point more stability. Totally transformed my shifting from grinding into first and very hard to find the gears, into easy to find gears and zero grinding.
If that is your only symptom, Brandt is probably right, he is very knowledgeable. If you’re having other symptoms other than just the first gear issue, check out Tangerine racing.
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mgphoto
post Feb 20 2026, 01:54 PM
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QUOTE(Thunderchief @ Feb 19 2026, 08:34 PM) *

Most of the time shifting from neutral to 1st at a stop will grind but if I'm still rolling and shift into 1st then its fine. I don't like holding the clutch while waiting for the light to turn though.

What is your best guess to what it might be?

Thanks.


Check the clutch adjustment, make sure you use the factory procedure and spec.
Does it happen in reverse also?
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flyer86d
post Feb 20 2026, 03:07 PM
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I’ve always used the trick Fred Apgar taught me. Push in the clutch, select 2nd gear, then pull it into 1st. That uses the 2nd gear synchro to stop the movement in the transmission.

Charlie
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WizPorsche914
post Feb 20 2026, 03:09 PM
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QUOTE(mgphoto @ Feb 20 2026, 02:54 PM) *

QUOTE(Thunderchief @ Feb 19 2026, 08:34 PM) *

Most of the time shifting from neutral to 1st at a stop will grind but if I'm still rolling and shift into 1st then its fine. I don't like holding the clutch while waiting for the light to turn though.

What is your best guess to what it might be?

Thanks.


Check the clutch adjustment, make sure you use the factory procedure and spec.
Does it happen in reverse also?



Mine does in 1st and reverse ????
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Thunderchief
post Feb 20 2026, 05:26 PM
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Mine is 1st only
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mepstein
post Feb 20 2026, 05:51 PM
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Check your clutch cable adjustment. If it’s not that, it’s probably a worn dog and slider. Look at the mileage. Over 80k and there’s a good chance some parts will need to be replaced. It’s not a hard and fast number but it’s something to look at.
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L-Jet914
post Feb 20 2026, 09:16 PM
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I had a similar issue a few years back now. When I took my transaxle apart to reseal it, I adjusted the shift rod clearances and the 1st/Rev clearances to the middle of the specs in a custom made jig. I no longer experience it as much as I used to. If I am at a long light, I'll leave it in neutral and then slowly pull it into 1st from a stop and it doesn't grind. Most of the time I shift into 1st below 20mph because the stops at the intersections are short. Other times I find myself shifting into 2nd then into 1st out of habit.
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dtmehall
post Feb 20 2026, 09:20 PM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

with the last two statements
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Spoke
post Feb 20 2026, 11:12 PM
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QUOTE(flyer86d @ Feb 20 2026, 04:07 PM) *

I’ve always used the trick Fred Apgar taught me. Push in the clutch, select 2nd gear, then pull it into 1st. That uses the 2nd gear synchro to stop the movement in the transmission.

Charlie


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
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barefoot
post Feb 21 2026, 07:32 AM
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Mine will grind into 1st if I engage quickly after clutch depressed, but if wait about 3 sec it goes in smoothly. Often I don't bother with 1st as plenty of torque to start in 2nd.
Never a grind into reverse, so probably 1st synchros wearing out.
Also I do NOT sit at a light with clutch depressed.

Barefoot
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930cabman
post Feb 21 2026, 10:18 AM
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QUOTE(Spoke @ Feb 21 2026, 12:12 AM) *

QUOTE(flyer86d @ Feb 20 2026, 04:07 PM) *

I’ve always used the trick Fred Apgar taught me. Push in the clutch, select 2nd gear, then pull it into 1st. That uses the 2nd gear synchro to stop the movement in the transmission.

Charlie


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) works for me, also make sure the clutch is correctly adjusted
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IronHillRestorations
post Feb 21 2026, 06:23 PM
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Adjust clutch cable, front and back.
Check shift bushings.
Check clutch tube at firewall.
Check pedal cluster.
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