83 4x4 5spd hard to shift
 

Hello all I have a 83 LWB 4x4 with the L-52. Well now that the colder weather has set in here its almost impossible to shift while cold... First engages great but once i go to hit 2nd it grinds a little and I REALLY have to pull it in. Third is a liitle easier but still much more difficult and feels more sluggish than it should be:scared: Im not sure what it can be... then after driving for say 15 minutes or so and the temp gauge moves above the cold line it starts getting easier. So Im assuming its temp. related... any input is appreciated

when is the last time you checked/changed the transmission oil?

Ive had the truck for a year at the end of the month and have yet to do that... along with the diffs...:spank: and it had sat since 03 before I aquirred it from their backyard. I wasn't sure on when it was needed to do maintinance wise. I will buy the new gear oil tomorrow. Is there anything this could have hurt? Having possibly very old fluid in it...

I have s similar problem, but it doesn't seem to matter if my engine is cold. It also seems to be getting worse. I was just going to have a look at the linkage from the top in the cab and see if something was loose or binding. I changed my transmission, transfer case, and diff fluid all at once shortly after I got it a couple years ago. I was gone for a year and now I'm driving it again with the same fluid. Maybe it's time for another change.