I have posted a few times about the problems with the M47 in my '87.
I recently had it rebuilt for the second time in two years because the input bearings failed. When I first got it back from the trans shop, it was quiet and shifted like butter. This week,after about a month of regular driving and after a 100 mile highway run, it started to get hard to shift it into first gear after stopping at a light. It is now very difficult to shift into any forward gear: the lever has to be forced pretty hard, although there is no grinding, it just feels like the linkage is "pushing back" when you push on it. Getting into reverse is tricky to do without grinding gears. The car is going back to the trans shop on Tuesday for a look, but I was hoping to get some idea of what's going on with it, so I can be a little more educated when they give me their prognosis. Thanks!!
--
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid

I agree. Cable and detente plate might need adjusting. How are yr motor mounts? That also may be part of the problem.

If the shop used an aftermarket clutch cable they are know to stretch and eventually break. You might want to get an OEM Gemo to have on hand.
Dan

adjust the clutch, then see.

Try shifting it slowly into reverse at a dead stop with the engine idling. Any grinding there indicates the clutch is not disengaging completely. Try again while standing on the clutch pedal and compressing it right into the carpet. If that gives an improvement, the clutch needs adjusting - maybe replacing.
--
Bob: son's 81-GL, dtr's '94-940, my 83-DL, 89-745(V8) and 98-S90. Also 77-MGB and some old motorcycles.

Is it still hard to shift even after the car is cold? How does it shift with the engine off?
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/

It's hard to shift when the car is cold. When the engine is off, it is a little easier to shift, but still not the "snick, snick" it was when I first got it back from the trans shop. If I push the clutch pedal to the floor, it still grinds a bit into reverse. They replaced the clutch when they did the trans, but I guess there is a possibility that the cable needs adjustment.
--
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid

It sure sounds like a Clutch cable adjustment is in order.

But if it's the original Cable, I am perplexed. An 'old' cable shouldn't stretch.

--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/

By the way, the shifter bushings were replaced about 50K miles ago, and I don't think they would just outright fail.
--
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid

Is the reverse lockout plate a little too close and causing the problem?
Dan