First off, the ax15 has 188,500 on it and about 1000-1500 miles ago I changed the fluid to Amsoil 75w90 GL4. When driving, shifting isn't an issue really minus a grind into 2nd if I shift quick while its cold and a little hitch into third. It's when I'm stopped the big issue comes up. Going into 1st I have to let it roll until it'll go into gear, force it in, shift into 3rd then 1st (even that doenst always work).
With as many miles as it has and the fact the engine had to be replaced I'd say its a fair bet that this XJ wasn't treated too well. I've heard many different fluid choices for the AX15, is there one in particular y'all would recommend in my case, or is my trans just worn and beat up? I got this XJ at 185,000, and haven't mistreated it at all.
As a note too, I'm up in Duluth MN which has been below zero 24/7 the last few days.

 

Yes and yes. Lol

Amsoil is a good choice but I'm not sure if it has any friction modifiers. Many people here and elsewhere swear by Redline MT-90. I finally picked some up for my 99 and I love the stuff. Much smoother than the other crap I've tried. Like the Amsoil it sucks in the cold, but TBH I think half the problem is that the rubber boot is frozen too lol

What you have is an indication of worn synchronizers. Your options are to fill with a synchro-friendly fluid and learn to double-clutch in every shift, or tear it apart and rebuild. Mine is my DD do I just learned to double clutch lol. It's pretty easy once you figure out that you're just rev-matching the engine AND the counter shaft.

Just to rule out a clutch issue, if you put the transmission in 1st at a stop, can you move it between N and 1 without having to mess around? If you can't then your clutch likely isn't releasing completely. There should be no difference in putting the transmission into gear with the clutch down whether the engine is running or not.

 

I almost bought MT90 too, but it's rarely in stock here at one store. Amsoil's HQ is here and I trusted it for everything else including a Muncie M20. I don't think the boot is frozen. It finally got above freezing today and I noticed an improvement, but maybe MT90 should put in. What do you know about using 50w oil?
I kinda figured the synchros were worn, but I'll drive it until they stop working altogether.
The clutch is releasing well, once it's in 1st I can move it to N and back again with ease as long as the clutch is pressed.