Help me!
So when I push in my clutch to start my 1990 P/U 4x4 22RE, it starts fine. When I take off in 1st it takes off just fine. When I start to shift in to 2nd, it just won't shift unless I rev up the engine. I shift through the rest of the gears through the short-shift method, which works fine. I cannot down shift, and this problem has just progressively gotten worse. So my question is, where do I start looking for problems? Any info. from anybody would save me "big time". Thanks all in advance!

 

Don't know where you live but if this occurs only when you first start and the transmission is cold, what you describe is a common problem. I have an '84 4Runner with 5 speed manual 4WD and live in AZ low desert where 40 degrees F is a typical "cold" winter morning and I have difficulty shifting into 2nd gear. Once it warms up the symptom goes away. Just a quirk.

If the symptom occurs even when transmission/air temp is warm, then you have a problem with the syncro. Expect to spend $$ unless you can DIY.

 

I live in Washington State and the problem has just progressively gotten worse. Doesn't matter the temp outside. thanks though I'll look into synchros.