[naz]

actually.. even cheaper might be just to be absolutely sure that you have the clutch pedal all the way to floor before you move the shifter. like.. get in there and make sure your floor mat isn't in the way etc

try to be really really conscious about slamming the clutch pedal all the way to the floor, then moving the shifter, and when its all the way in, then lift up the clutch pedal

i use to have a sort of similar 'issue' when i first got my sube when i would have a hard time getting the shifter into first and very occasionally hear a grind.. it turned out i didnt have the clutch ALL the way to the floor (clutch starts to engage pretty much right off the floor in a sube)

good luck, and try all the other cheap/easy fixes that the others recommend before dropping the transmission

also, if you do end up dropping the transmission and you plan to keep the car.. you should think about getting the rear main seal change, changing the clutch if you need to.. getting a lighter flywheel if you want one.. and if the tranny's apart anyway.. maybe a LSD or more aggressive final drive.... :)