I've read all the posts about 2nd gear and sometimes 5th "when cold" problems.

The catch is that I have these problems even when the car is hot (been in the 90's mostly for the last month at least). I know that it is most likely a 2nd Gear Synchro going out. I also sometimes notice 5th gear giving me slight problems - not grinding but just need to take a second before it goes in.

From 1st - 2nd it feels like it is popping hard into the gear. From what I've read this is semi normal for our tc's (mine is a 2006).

From 2nd - 1st I have to doubleclutch to downshift into gear, and even then it does not guarantee a smooth shift. Otherwise, I have to push in the clutch, move the shifter over and wait for it to pop into second.

My car has had the engine replaced (it got hydrolocked - yay for wheel liner falling out and exposing my cold air intake). I also had to replace the clutch at 60,000 miles (I've also read that this is somewhat of an issue). I have the TRD Stage 2 Clutch in and it's currently got 10,000 miles on it.

Pending whether or not we have a Reverse Gear Synchro, I'm 90% sure this is not a clutch slippage and or dis/engaging issue with the clutch, seeing as how it does not grind when going from neutral to Reverse.

If it IS the 2nd gear synchro, would it be plausible that 5th would be going as well? It is showing similar symptoms.

Has anyone replaced synchro's on their own? How long would it take? I already know there are several specific tools I need to remove them, and that it's a HUGE P.I.T.A but I wouldn't mind doing it if it were to save me a grand.

Also, I have a bumper-bumper 100,000 mile warranty (like it really covers bumper to bumper, ha) - The drivetrain SHOULD be covered under it correct? I know the dealership will try everything they can to get out of it, telling me I am too hard on my car or whatever (should've heard what they said about the clutch).

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I've never had a little fun with my car. I'm a 20 year old kid that likes to have a little fun every now and then. I've never done burn outs in my car or dropped the clutch from redline or anything dumb like that. I occasionally use the higher end of my rpms, but nothing ridiculous. I've never had a super bad downshift that redlines my car either.

However, do you guys think that when the clutch was put in, or even when I had the engine put in, that something was not installed correctly? I am not looking to blame the dealership - I just want to know my options here. I'm not a super-mechanic but I'd be willing to try and replace the sychro myself, if it is something I can do on a weekend off or something - that is, if getting it repaired under the warranty is out of the question.

What would you do? Thanks