clutch/transmission problem

[96stillen_max]

i have a 1996 Maxima SE 5-speed and am experiencing some problems with my clutch/transmission, nbot sure which tho.

i know for a fact that my clutch is not in great shape. its the key value clutch and i am having it replaced in a couple weeks. my first problem is that i some times experience slight difficulty when trying to shift into 1st or reverse. sometimes it goes in fine, other times, i have to let the clutch out slightly to get it to slide in. these are problems with teh clutch right?

my second problem is that lately i have noticed that it is fairly easy to pull the shifter out of first gear when the clutch is still engaged. i dont mean that with a slight tap it pops out, but if i excerpt a little bit of force on it, the shifter will slide out of first without the use of the clutch. my questions abotu this is;

1. is this a problem with the worn out clutch or the transmision?2. if this is a problem with the transmission, can it be easily fixed when i am having my clutch replaced?

thanks for the help.

[s13sr20chris]

first problem is normal wear and tear on trans. not a clutch issue. second is just normal even for new trans. i can do that too. some racecars with nonsychro gearboxes do that intentionally on downshifts to help match revs when double clutching.