97 Tacoma won't go into gear

It shifts into every gear no problem with the engine off. It doesn't want to shift into 1st or 2nd...most of the time I can force it into 2nd better than 1st. It'll take about 15 mins until I can shift smoothly again. And the level is right at the max line and I just changed the gear oil today 75w90 Lucas full synthetic

 

Will it let you into 3rd and let you hill start it when the engine’s cold?

 

To be honest with you I haven't tried getting into third. I just force it into either 1st or 2nd and just go from there. But once I get rolling it'll shift into 3rd and so on.

 

I had the same problem a couple of years ago. I replaced the bushing that the shifter rides on, and it fixed it. BTW- I found the answer on this forum.

 

I’d check the bushing at the end of the shift knob before you replace the slave cylinder. It’ll only help diagnose your issue. Other people including me have had trouble shifting into some gears more than others and at startup (Mine wouldn’t go into first or reverse) due to that.

 

Thank you guys, the bushing will go in Saturday! I appreciate it.