2000 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 5 speed is sometimes hard to shift into gears.

First and reverse are naturally harder to shift into than higher gears - shift to 4th then quickly to first - did it shift into 1st easier? This will help immensely in diagnosing what’s failing - - also check fluid level in clutch master cylinder. Old and tired clutch slave cylinders have a tendency to malfunction - after *extended* park! IF simply *driving* the vehicle results in easier shifting - replace slave cylinder and bleed system .. Clutch ‘mechanical’ failure will not change by trying these suggestions! Hydraulic system failures will..

▪️https://repairpal.com/repair-shops▪️ Good luck!