I have a 95 Ford Ranger 5sp manual that is becoming hard to shift. Specialy when I first head out in the morning. Takes a little wiggling the shifter around and a little force to get it in first gear. The other gears aren't as bad once I get to going, but still takes a little force. It has 172k on it.

Try Amsoil 5W-30 Synthetic Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid, which should help a lot. Also, try easing the transmission into first gear, just before coming to a stop--it's much easier on the synchros.

Ranger 5 speed transmissions are not noted for being the strongest in the world. Probably needs rebuilding. My Co ranger needed rebuild at about 95K. And I was the only driver and did not work it hard. Could also be clutch going south.