I have a 99 4X4 with 167,000 miles. Sometime last week I notice that everytime I come to a complete stop I had a hard time engaging 1st ( actually any gear ). It doesnt happen if Im still rolling and try to pic up a gear; 1st ,2nd,..... Nor does it happen at normal highway speeds. ( 5 -85mph )
I also noticed that I never have this problem in the mourning when the engine/tranny is cool.
I was doing a little research and this is what I came up as the possible problems;
1 the slave cylinder is going out.
2 air in the line/system.
3 the springs on the pressure plate are old and getting weak. when they heat up they get soft and do not function properly. I guess the clutch is not dis engaging fully.
Does anyone know or have any suggestion as to what it may be?

 

It sounds to me as if the clutch is not fully releasing, so the input shaft on the gearbox is still turning, even though the pedal is down. Perhaps the pedal height adjustment is too low, or the clutch disc is warped?

 

My Saturn was acting exactly like that. I came up with the same 3 possibilities as you. I figured it was the hydraulics going out because if I pumped the clutch it would (usually) go into gear afterwards. I checked them and they seemed fine. I went ahead and replaced the clutch and found out that it was the throwout bearing that grenaded. It had actually worn down thinner so it wouldn't fully release. I thought it would have been noisy Who would have guessed. I've never even heard of that happening, but it drives fine now.

Good luck. Sounds like you are on the right track.

 

there's nothiong more to say

 

I only have issues engaging 1st and 2nd when the truck is cold. But I'd assume that that isn't abnormal.

 

Its time for a pressure plate and clutch change.Mines getting almost that bad so Ill do mine when I change my motor.