I have noticed that when I am taking off in 1st gear if I don't give it enough gas I experience a shuttering effect. Is the simple answer give it more gas or is this a warning sign that the clutch is going? I've noticed no change in where the clutch starts to engage. It is fairly early in the release of the clutch petal. 

I am scrutinizing what might hang me out to dry as I consider a trip to Guatemala before the new year. I am definitely going to check / replace brakes and repack wheel bearings.

Fuel lines are new in August
Coolant is fresh and the hoses all look good. 
grounds were cleaned up when I had the engine out in August / September.
vacuum lines new in August.
All of the funky welded coolant pipes and stripped exhaust threads are repaired and replaced.

I am guessing the drive to be about 20 hours total. I will probably "stage" the van in Brownsville (Where my father lives) to reduce our driving time to about 14 hours or so.

Owen 
84 Westy "Greta"
Sugar Land Texas