I noticed while shifting from first to second if I don't keep the rpm's below 1500 it won't go into or back into 1'st for that matter. It feels like the clutch doesn't completely engage. Any ideas what would cause it?

88 4.0 5spd

How does your pedal feel when shifting?

Being that this is the first standard Cherokee I have owned I'm not sure how it should feel but it seemes light. But that comparing it to like a 1 ton ford or my old cj5. It feels a little lighter than my SIS inlaws new beetle.

How's your fluid level? Any leeks? If the clutch feels like it's an inch from the floor, then it might need a new slave. I'm pulling mine out after work today. Check for any fluid under your bellhousing. I'm having trouble shifting as well.

sounds like some synchros

does it pop out of gear?

if you shift regular what does it do just grind?

if you push the clutch and rev the engine and it revs freely then the pressure plate/throwout/slave/master are all doing their job

That is your synchros....

Yeah it revs freely. And it just grinds if I shift normally. If I am mindful of it . It never grinds. But it doesn't pop out of gear at all. So is a rebuild in order.

if it doesnt pop out, it means that it isnt in too bad of shape, probably just new synchros would do the trick, however while you are there it wouldnt be too much more work to do the whole thing.

On a side note, do you know what lube you were using, my money is on a GL5 being the problem here

I just got it last month so I have no clue what was used in it. But will it be ok to drive until I can afford to rebuild it?

i drove mine for a while with bad synchros, you will just have to do a Vin Diesel and "double clutch" it haha

make sure not to grind it, because that will cause more damage and make the rebuild more expensive.