I am a newbe trying to help a friend out. The just got a 1994 Toyota Pickup DLX 4x4 v6 5 speed manual. They drove it from south TX to Phoenix AZ in 3-4-5 gear. (EX Dad screwed son over). I checked this form and followed some of the suggestions. I pulled the Shift lever out and found a mangled white bushing, and a shift lever seat that was more like ground rubber pellets. I replaced both as suggested here. Now it goes into 1st 3rd 4th 5th and rev much BETTER. However 2nd eludes. It will sometimes go but rare. The motor runs great, the ride is super, the brakes and steering are good. 208k. I dont know what else I can add as I dont know what I dont know.

 

Have you checked / replaced the oil in the transmission ?. If its low or hasn`t been changed in a long time that can make it hard to shift.

 

I will give that a shot. The boy is excited about getting his "first vehicle" up and fully running.