6 speed, won't go into 1st or 2nd after complete stop

I recently picked up an 07 X-Runner, 124k miles. When I test drove it and the first day or two I didn't have much issues, but now after doing a lot more city driving some transmission problems have surfaced.

After the truck comes to a complete stop it is damn near impossible to get it into 1st or 2nd gear without going into 3rd first. Its like the synchros aren't lining up for 1st or 2nd gear. I have to put it in 3rd, then back into 1st. If I put it back to neutral, release the clutch, and try to go back into 1st it won't work. I have to go from 3rd to 1st holding the clutch the whole time. If the truck is moving very slowly, like 1-2 mph coasting, it will fall right into 1st and 2nd smoothly.

I am going to change the fluid this weekend, but was wondering what else could cause this issue? I haven't experienced any grinds at all, just the issue with 1st and 2nd and also very stiff shifting into 2nd, 4th, and 6th. Gear changes on upward gates always fall right into place, its only on the downward gates its pretty stiff. For gears 2,4, and 6 its like I have to kind of tap the shifter into the gate rather than just go all the way into gear in one go. It is possible to force it into gear without sort of coaxing it into place, but its extremely stiff and feels like its probably bad for the synchros to force it like that.

Hoping some fresh fluid helps, but just wondering what else can cause these issues.

Thanks for any info.

 

Change the gear oil and bleed the system, see if that helps.

Does the throw out bearing make noise?

The forks between those gears may be bent or the fingers on the pressure plate may be damaged too.

Start with the simple stuff and work your way backwords

 

Throw out does make some noise. Nothing extreme but it does chirp when sitting in neutral