My recently purchased '58 Apache stepside is finally running and on the road, but I could use some advise from you guys about my clutch/transmission. A mechanic who inspected the vehicle says the throw out bearing is dry/worn and will need replacing. The truck is a 4 speed with granny gear. Starting out in second gear from a stop is a bit of a challenge letting the clutch out very slowly especially at the last bit and feeding just the right amount of gas to avoid the truck bucking, same thing in reverse. Shifting from 2nd to 3rd and to 4th no issues. I understand working on the throw out bearing means taking out the transmission. I can't do this work myself, so if I take it to this mechanic he will drop the tranny and do the clutch work and send the transmission to a shop that works only on standard transmissions. I'm looking long term, so any work that I can do now to avoid problems down the road is the approach I would like to take.
So, my questions are:
1) Should I just replace the clutch (he's talking about resurfacing if that's all he thinks it needs)
2) What other work should I consider having done while the transmission is out of the truck.
Any and all suggestions, the more specific the better, so I can explain to him exactly what I would like done, would be greatly appreciated. You all have been fantastic helping with questions about my truck. Thanks - Al
