Tommy, it sounds like you have dealt with a full gamut of clutch issues... I find it very interesting that changing the number of clutch disc springs solved a judder problem for you. My judder also gets worse after the truck has been driven a while.
My T5 trans has the S-10/Astro input shaft, and I think those vehicles came in both 4cyl and V6.
I removed my #3 thrust bearing and took measurements. I wish I knew what the new thrust bearing dimensions were... I'm at .014" end play right now, and I am going to fix this. My engine has fewer than 3000 miles on it, and everything still looks nice inside- cylinders, cam lobes, bearings, etc... The end play certainly doesn't feel like much, but there is a definite clunk-clunk when you force the crank forward and aft.
I have tried everything- chaining the engine/trans down to prevent it from rocking, messing with my rear leaf springs, changing clutches- you name it- no change. I think the special adapter plate is going to help, and I had the flywheel resurfaced again, and I am just waiting on my clutch. In the meantime, I am fix the end play issue, just because.
