96 jetta vr6

i have a 96 jetta vr6 manual transmission and just put a new tranny in, im having problems becouse every time i try to put into first gear or reverse its really hard to put it into those gears im wondering what the problem is?

Sounds like the linkage needs adjustment. To get it really right requires a special tool that dealerships have. I'd bite the bullet and have a dealer adjust the linkage for you.