downshifting

you were going too fast. you really have to ease it into 1st if you are rolling and tach the motor up a bit the get the gear speed to match engine speed. dont make a habit of jammin it in 1st or a tranny mechanic will be loving you for keepin him busy replacing your synchros lol

+1 Be careful! If this is your DD then you cant afford to ruin your tranny for a couple days... Then again maybe you can afford it

In any case, what Big said is true. Your synchros allow for some play, but the first gear ones are mighty particular in these trannys and sometimes I haven't been able to shift into first without coming to almost a complete stop