I have a 91z28 t5...It upshifts fine through all gears, but won't downshift from 5th-4th or 4th-3rd. If i drop into 2nd it will go into any gear fine afterwards. Please help, I've read many threads on this but not many solutions or updates after finding out the issue. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Check the normal things first, clutch fluid level and trans fluid level. How does the clutch feel? Is it new?

 

Not sure if clutch is new, feels fine, no slips, very slight hum at idle when I let off the clutch pedal sitting still. Replaced transmission fluid 1st thing, no luck. Will double-check clutch fluid today. Was told it may be slave cylinder by trans shop over the phone...not sure about that though. The PO looked genuinely surprised when this happened on the test drive. I've been up all night reading similar posts but no updates on what solved it...could it be as simple as pilot bushing, or more likely synchros?? This one's got me stumped...

 

Just to double check you used ATF right?

 

Yes

 

Going from 5th-4th or 4th-3rd (for instance): Does it come out of gear OK? Once out of gear, is it only hard to put back into gear?

Does double-clutching make a difference?

 

It does not come out of gear easily in 4th and 3rd once it (locks up/grinds), had to pull over and coast to a stop and force it out of gear. Only goes back into gear easily if I go to 2nd, then everything is fine again. Haven't tried to double clutch yet...
BTW thanks for all the suggestions so far, appreciate it!