Question:Extremely hard to get into 1 and 2 gear and every time its shifted into reverse the transmission grinds but 3 4 5 work fine,  could this issues be caused by a worn shift fork. The truck is a Ford Explorer 4.0L and has 175000 miles?Your transmission is and M5R1 2wd.Answer:Based on the condition you describe and our experience we suspect that the clutch may be the issue here not the transmission.  Common problem as the Clutch/Hydraulic  problem gets worse and the slave cylinder starts to fail the 1 & 2 gears get harder to engage and grinds going into reverse.You will need to drop the transmission, this will give you access the clutch components, it should be very evident that this is the problem.  We can supply the following parts to repair the clutch:

• Clutch Kit including disc, pressure plate, and bearings plus alignment tool, order our part number MTC07-096 your cost is $125.00.

• Slave Cylinder (inside bell housing) our part number MTCLSC003 your cost is $55.00 plus S&H.  These are quality LUK clutch products.

If it turns out that the clutch is not the problem we would then recommend you replace the transmission with a factory rebuilt unit, order part number MTFRD005 your cost is $766.66 plus $250.00 core deposit plus freight.If you need more technical help give Scott a call 888-824-2012 he can help you during the inspection process and assembly of the clutch components, be sure the clutch disc in installed correctly (easily reversed).