well i have the transmission apart and everything has checked out okay. Synchros grab good and are not worn on 3-4 or 1-2. the machined cone surfaces are in great shape, as are the teeth on the hub and sliders. I have looked at the cluster gear as well and it all looks to be okay.

checked the reverse ball and detent and sure enough its all there

There is a tight spot in reverse that i had an issue with before i even put the transmission. Sometimes i run into this tight spot when trying to engage reverse and it wont go in so i have to let it roll forwards or backwards until it wants to go. Could this tight spot on the gear be affecting the 1-2?

Only other thing I can think of is that the stops arent set properly, but the stop for 2nd was just recently adjusted since it wouldnt stay in before. Im almost thinking its still wrong

what do you guys think? I am now totally stumped..i thought it would be synchros or what else was mentioned, but its not