Stiff gear change - take heed.

[CovKid]

Despite changing most of the gearchange bushings some time ago and fitting a new clutch, I often had to work hard to get it in 1st or reverse. Recently I started losing fluid from clutch line - so much so I was having to bleed line every couple of days. By now I was clearly losing a lot of fluid at slave cylinder. Replaced slave at weekend. Gears change perfectly. Worth noting that even if your clutch functions, if its not disengaging properly (and not wholly obvious whether it is or not), it can have a major impact on smooth changes. The biggest indicator is probably the stiffness of the pedal. If its not uncomfortable to sit in traffic with clutch down, chances are the slave is worn out and it doesn't have to be leaking either. Food for thought.

[boxer]

Define 'not uncomfortable' I also drive a defender.

[silverbullet]

You have my sympathies.

The clutch master cylinder, along with the state of the clutch clevis pin & pedal eye, can all be at fault and often forgotten. The first is a quick and easy job, the latter is involved (dash out & welding)