shifting

It may just need and adjustment. When was the last time it was adjusted? Either way, the clutch brake isn't working/clutch not fully disengaging when you first try to get into 1st. Making sure the adjustment is right is the first step if not, you are looking at a clutch job soon.

 

Okay my good man, here is your simple answer. Your clutch is out of adjustment or at the end of it's life. When clutch is properly adjusted, you can easily place transmission in first or reverse and go back and forth between just those two gears. The rest of the gears don't matter in this case. Anytime you cannot easily place transmission into first or reverse gears only, you have a clutch issue. Very easy to fix unless clutch is at end of life then you'll just need a new clutch. Problem solved.

 

if you push your clutch pedal all the way to the floor at high rpm you will tear the spline taps off of your clutch brake and it will never work well untill replaced.