You should also check your shift linkage bushings at the tranny. One of my bushings had worn away and getting into second became very difficult.
Also when your in that area of the tranny have someone hold the gear shift into 2nd. At the same time on the shifter cables there is a adjustment button. Its orange, when you push the orange section in all the way it will lock down. The pressure from your friend holding to gear shift in second will push the cable at the adjustment and should give you more travel for that gear.
Give these two things a try. Good luck
