So way back in 2010, I did the Manual trans swap. I got most of the parts from another member here. He said there was only 3k miles on the clutch parts, as he installed them himself on a rig he had, but ended up doing a 302 swap, and offered it to me at a fair price. It never shifted right, and 1st / reverse was always a fight to get in. If anybody read the manual swap, you know the lengths I went thru with the slave bleeding.
Well, 8k miles or so later, and I am ready to yank it and re-do it all and try to make it right. Reverse is almost unbearable to deal with, and I can't take it anymore. I started to think it might be an internal issue with the trans itself, the way it was acting. So I took it in to a local AAmco for a free diagnose for the heck of it, and to see which was giving me grief, before I spent a single $1 on parts.
So check this out... As the tech was on his test drive with the rig, I read a little sign way way up high on the waiting area wall. It said,...
"
For a manual transmission inspection, we will remove the transmission and inspect the clutch for a proper diagnose. If you choose not to have it repaired here, we will re-install the transmission for a price disclosed prior to the removal."
So the tech comes back in and says,... "
I believe it is the clutch, and feels as if it is not disengaging properly, and I need to put it on the rack for a closer look." Then starts to pull it in the bay. I tell him to hold up a minute before he does that, and walk back in to talk to the counter guy. I tell him I read the hard to see disclaimer, and ask how much are they wanting to put my rig back together AFTER they tear it all down. He looks at me a bit surprised, and wide eyed. He says it is 5.5 shop hours for labor, and 1/2 hr inspect time. I ask how much a shop hour, he says $110. OK, so that is over $600 to have a look see. I tell him thanks for the help, and ask for the keys back. Unreal!
So I am going to tear it down, and just replace all of it. I looked at a Centerforce clutch kit, but it was $400 and change. I decided that as little as this thing is used, and I'm not a hot rod with it, a stock Sachs setup should be fine. It's less than $200 for that kit. Everything I sourced so far is Sachs, except for the slave cylinder & throw out bearing. I think I will go with a Luk brand for the cylinder, and a Centerforce for the throw out. I didn't see the Sachs for either of those on Amazon, but will do a little more digging elsewhere before I buy.
There are still big plans for this rig this year, and I have to get issues like this resolved beforehand. Hopefully I can handle this in a decent amount of time, and by myself. My health isn't the best right now, and I'm dealing with a new to me issue, that is sucking the life force right out.
Very Cool! 
