clutch is OK... shifting to other gears is smooth with no hiccup or
grinding. From Neutral to 1st is smooth as butter but then getting out of
1st is hard. I remove and inspect this housing... seeing nothing

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1589_784/housing-for-shifter-mechanism.html

I suspect this shift guide is worn but it look OK too..

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1921_784/shift-guide.html

thanks