alright, Looking for some advice.....

my GF and I have a 97 Explorer sport, 5 speed manual, 4wd, 4.0 OHV that has just passed 120,000 pretty flawlessly, However I am noticing now that at times its very tough to get into gear. No gear specifically more than the others however there are times where it's rather difficult Once you are on the move and shifting it just doesn't seem as fluid. Does this sound like a shift fork or Synchro issue?

I think there are two diff types of manuals in these one being from mazda? Has anyone ever had one these open?

Could it be the clutch not completely dis-engaging? When you let out the clutch, does it grab as soon as you lift your foot off the pedal? I have an 89 taurus sho and was having the same type problem, clutch was releasing/engaging right off the floor. Mine has a cable actuated clutch, and the "ratchet" that adjusts the cable went bad.

Just a thought before you open up a gearbox.................

Dave

That was the first thing I went after and it;s a hydraulic line. The clutch master cyl. is full doesn;t appear to be leaking anywhere and the pedal lets off about half way up and grabs alright. Also, if I am on a slight hill with the clutch all the way to the floor, the truck moves freely so it seems to be disengaging alright.

Well, if it is a hydraulic clutch, and there is no adjustment then I would try changing the fluid. With 120K on it, the tranny fluid should have been changed at 2-4 times by now. I would try switching to Red Line MTL or MT-90 depending on what the tranny calls for. This is some good stuff, and I have used it in an Xtrerra for 2 years. It shifted flawlessly where as it was notchy brand new.

If that does not work, then it sounds like your syncros are beginning to wear. Just strange that all gears are going at the same time. Might be the release bearing. You hear any noise from the bellhousing? If so, with clutch in or out?