Not shifting right

Hi All- First time here. I've got a '99 X-Cab, 2.7, 4WD, manual trans. Bought it used in '01, just rolled over 200K. Runs awesome, never any problems, love it.

First problem just started a couple hundred miles ago. It doesn't feel like it is going into 4th, even though it does shift. The trans goes into 4th no problem, but at the lever it just feels like it's only part way. Notchy I guess is the way to describe it. Changed the trans oil and no better. All other gears are ok. Something in the trans, a shift linkage or something? I do all my own maintenance but not really up to a trans rebuild. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

First thought was an issue with worn stock shift seat and socket.

Easy to check them, just remove the boot console piece and you can get right to the shift lever top plate. OR you could just get some as they seem to be a decent piece of kit. Put them on mine and sure took the vibration and vague feeling out of the shift levers.

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/parts-upgrade/heavy-duty-shift-lever-ball-seats

Worth a look at the minimum.

 

Looks like it would be a necessay upgrade. Probably soon before it jams and won't let me use 4th.

Thanks!