i have an 81 cj7 with a 258 and a t176 tranny. i cannot shift into first gear. when i try, it makes this horrible grinding noise. ive been told by a friend that it is the synchronizers, but im not sure as to what it is. could it be the synchronizers, or is it something else. i was thinking it mite be the clutch. i know next to nothing about jeeps and manual tranny's at that. please help!

I would venture to say that your synchronizer is out. Does the grinding happen as you are going into gear or is it after you let off the clutch and begin to drive. If it happens after you let off the clutch it is more likely the synchronizer.

it happens when i am stopped, and put it into first it grind and wont go into gear. i can get it into gear when it's off, but not with it on.

Sound like a clutch to me.

I agree.

What you want to do is put your foot on the third pedal from the right, then, listen now cause this is the important part, depress it with your leg. Now try shifting into gear. Should work.:flipoff2:

Adjust your clutch. But first does it do this in reverse too?? :flipoff2:

it does this in reverse as well. only gear it goes into is 4th. so far ive been able to pop it in 4th, gas it a little bit and then pop it out and into second or first. synchros or clutch..?

Istill say it's your clutch.
How much free play do you have?