My 98 Escort ZX2 manual transmisson seems to shift gear hard!

Could be a worn out piolet bearing located in the back of the crankshaft in front of the clutch plate.

Governor may be stuck. a solenoid may be stuck open, or stuck closed, or the transmission throttle cable has come undone at one end or the other or has come loose at the ajustment point.

Is the fluid level correct? Is the tranmission fluid correct? (foaming issue) Does the fluid smell burned significantly?

Will it shift if you let up on the accelerator for an instant and then step on it again? If it will shift while doing that, add some seal conditioner as you have a leaking servo seal or clutch apply seal. If that does not correct it after a period of time, the only real fix will be to pull the transmission and do a rebuild.

the transmisson os vacum controled check the air line going from the top of transmisson it is prob dry rotted.

Your shifting block in the transmission is not working properly. replace it.

It sounds like your clutch may not be releasing full. Does it shift easily if you match the speed of the engine and transmission shaft closely? Does the clutch feel normal?

LOOK ON INTAKE AROUND AIR FILTER HOUSING AND VALVE COVER.

your filter needs 2 be changed. mite be too late. but try that u mite get lucky if you didny drive it 2 long like that

I know this sounds crazy according to Ford:

You can use-
Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX MERCON® Alternative Transaxle Fluid - SAE 75W90 Gear Oil F32Z-19C547-MA API GL-4
You are seeing that right, one instance they call for 75W90 and the other it is ATF. It is ok to run either, 75W90 will give you smoother shifts and less noise.

This transmission is filled through the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) hole.

THE SPEEDO PLAYS A BIG PART IN HOW YOUR TRANSMISSON SHIFTS GEARS FIX SPEEDO FIRST AND THE TRANS WILL SHIFT PROPLEY AGAIN CHECK FUSES

check the oil level in the transmission