Hello and thanks for the replies. The truck was serviced this week and the biggest problem was the throwout bearing. Despite driving 20 miles to make it act up, the mechanic didn't hear the noise until the next morning when he started it cold. When they opened it up, they found the bad bearing. I asked them to replace the clutch assembly, which was worn but serviceable. With over 110,000 miles, it was good to replace it since the labor was already heading North of $500. Couple more notes: 1. The Engine rear Main seal was not replaced. It is a 2-part seal, and requires additional work to remove (moving the engine, a 7.5 liter -460). 2. The pressure plate did show signs of age, good idea to replace it. 3. I am amazed that the effort to depress the clutch is much less than before. The Mechanic had told me the effort was excessive, but it has been stiff ever since the truck was new. What a difference! I can't help wondering why it was so stiff to start with. Now it's like all other trucks I have driven. Thanks again!
Friday, January 1st, 2010 AT 11:47 AM