is there some trick on geting into first ? i can get into first fine when i first start the truck , but once i've been driving a while and shifting through the gears it gets hard to get it into first when you come to a stop . i normally have to mess with it for a few seconds before it eventually goes into first . it's not really a transmission problem , i just can't always get the lever to come forward and down . normally only after i've been in second , i guess when it goes forward into second it's getting hung up on the way back to first . is there somewhere to adjust this ? or am i just doing something wrong ?

Hay Bondo....that 3spd on tree has nylon bushings on the shift linkages..look at the rods on the colum and the trans shift levers..BET ya a buck they are worn out!...Some good cleaning and bushings and lube will make it work nice again..you can get the bushings @ parts store cheep....hope you get fixed

3spds have 2 levers on trans...1st and reverse on one..2nd & 3rd on other.....replace ALL gromets/bushings....clips washers etc..You will be amazed how smooth it will work....While your under there fixing.........check your gear lube level...And the bushings/gromets clips etc. on clutch throw-out rod.......3spds are tough but stuff wears out......

even though this wasnt my question, I have the same problem, but mine is only a field beater. so i just go through whatever gear it takes to get it into first. mine is an 84 that has been sittin for 10 years. started up after turning it over about 15 times. just goes to show how awesome 300 straight 6's are.