4spd is hard to get into gear when warmed up, 2ltr escort van

hi guys, just a quick question, lately my 4spd box is getting harder and harder to select 2nd gear and some times 3rd only when the car as warmed up, not cold, been like this for about two years, i don't drive it much, probably 5000 in the two years, just getting a lot worst lately, would it need a rebuild or just some adjustments or could it be the clutch?
 
anyone had this, if so, what needs to be done, oh i almost forgotten i had the rear seal replaced ( where the tailshalf goes) not long ago, was leaking really badly and new oil put in

blue74
Have you checked the oil is correct for the transmission? If the oil is too thick it will cause stiff shifting, as the oil warms it will become thinner and make shifting easier.
 
If the clutch is disengaging correctly you should be able to select first and reverse easily when stationary.
 
The 4 speed should not be difficult to shift, it's quite an easy box to use even with a broken clutch cable.

hmm its the other way round, it gets harder when warmed up, it is easy to shift when cold, had a mechanic fix the rear seal and put oil in a few months ago

If correct oil doesnt help, when all is warmed up and giving shifting trouble, see if it's still bad while engine's idling and car is stationary . Then turn off engine and try selecting 2nd and 3rd and see if difficulty is still there. Try selecting all 5 gears(4F1R). If still a prob, disconnect side selector rods and see if selecting all 5 gears is now easy by selecting the small links on side plate. If so, your shifter and gate assembly needs overhaul and lube. If still no good, gearbox out and carefully check ALL aspects of clutch before blaming Gearbox.
Most importantly, TRIPLE CHECK alignment where engine meets Bell Hsg and where BHsg meets gearbox. Have seen this where lower bolt between BH and GB is tightened with spacer missing, which distorts alignment. If all checks out, overhaul Box.
Bernie