'87 4kq: brief shifting problem

[Andrew Buc]

Yesterday my 4kq became hard to shift. I never felt that it wouldn't shift at
all (at least in the forward gears), but I was having to manhandle the
gearshift; normally a light touch does it. And then I couldn't get it into
reverse at all. Fortunately, I was able to get out of the parking space I was in
w/o using reverse.

I drove home and then to a friend's house (3 or 4 miles total), being careful
to choose parking spaces I wouldn't have to back out of. The gearshift continued
to be quite stiff. When it came time to leave my friend's place, everything was
back to normal and still is, 20 miles later. The car shifts easily and goes into
reverse w/no problem, but I hestitate to assume that it'll stay that way. What
might be going on here? What should I check for starters? Thanks!