Toyota Repair: Toyota clutch 1987 stick shift, clutch release, clutch pedal

Question
I have a 1986 Toyota pick-up truck, mod. JT4RN50R3H0223939. 80K miles.
At times I’m having a hard time shifting into first gear. At times I can’t shift at
all. This does not always happen. When I do have this problem I find that if I
first shift into 2nd gear then straight up in to 1st gear I can get out of this
predicament. The master cylinder reservoir is full and no leaks. The clutch
pedal  travel is correct.


Answer
Check to make sure that the clutch release cylinder pushrod is moving enough to release the clutch, while someone is pushing on the clutch pedal all the way down observe the clutch arm, the release cylinder should move the arm almost two inches, if it does the problem is the clutch, if the travel of the clutch release arm is much less then one or both of the hydraulic cylinders may have an internal problem even though there is no extarnal leak.