^^ Well, good point but freeplay starts to widen once your cluck disc chews itself to the rivers, or your pressure plate is old as shit. To me it sounds that this didn't happen over time, and it happened quite suddenly. Anyhow, check your free play after you replace piston seal and bleed the system.

 

Well, its been like this since I've had the car, so it might actually have happened over time. Anyway, I've been away for the past 5 days, so I haven't had the chance to check anything. I'll check all that stuff out when I get back. Thanks for the suggestions

 

Recap for you for things to check,

1. Transmission fluid.
There are countless debates on here of what is better Red Line or Royal Purple.

2. Check your bushings.
Take off the center concoel and look under there, also check the bushings on top of the transmission for wear and tear. Could account for some shifter slop that is causing the grinding.

3. Clutch disengagement

4. Transmission syncos
www.car-parts.com to look for a used beta 1 or 2 transmission to replace yours.

 

<---- Has used 2001 trans with phantom grip or in a couple weeks has used 2000 trans. Both would bolt right up.