I'm got a manual transmission and lately it's been having trouble shifting into gear. It seems to shift ok if I'm moving, but if I stop, put it in neutral, and let up on the clutch, it's near impossible to get first engaged unless I first shift into reverse (which makes a slight grinding/clank noise). If I stop, put it in neutral, but don't release the clutch, I can move the stick around into any gear just fine.

The clutch pedal feels normal as for as where the friction point is.

Any ideas?

 

Classic slave cylinder problem.
Time for a new one.

 

I am having the same proble, except it quickly moved to the point that I could hardly get it into gear. After I parked and began to troubleshoot, I noticed that the clutch fluid reservoir was dry/empty...though it couldn't have been for long, as I check my fluids regularly.

So what was the final diagnosis? Do you have to R&R the clutch/trans to repair or replace the slave-mastesr cylinder?

 

Generally the clutch slave will last longer than the clutch disc, and because of that some people don't replace the slave when new disc is installed, bad idea.

You could have that situation if you have never changed the clutch on this truck, or clutch may be getting old and it is time to do the change.

I would refill reservoir and bleed system, it will take some time to get all the air out, be patient and keep that reservoir filled while bleeding.

Once clutch is working again keep an eye on the reservoir, that will give you an idea of how bad the leak is.

You don't need to replace the Master when installing a new clutch, some do.
I have over 300k on my '94 and have put in a few clutches and slaves but Master is original.