Ed, I would definitely have a clutch kit on hand when you change the
transmission.  60k miles can be the lifespan of them (depending on use)
and if you are having a strange feel in the pedal I would say you should
at least have a kit sitting there so you can replace it if you need to.
We have them in stock if you need one.  I can ship it today and it
should arrive by tomorrow.  I can do the Sachs kit for $150 plus $12 for
shipping.  It is a complete clutch kit with clutch disc, pressure plate,
throw out bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool.

Just let me know if I can help you further,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Edward Duntz wrote:
> I'm finally ready to replace the manual trans in the '85 Westy. I got some advicea while back here and on the Samba a while back. My father has a friend with a garage and a lift and just sprung it on me today that we can use the garage tomorrow. So I didn't have time to get all that prepared. Specifically, I wasn't able to do more research to decide if I should do the clutch, too. It was replaced before I bought the van about 60K miles ago, but the pedal has always been harder to depress than my other Vanagon. The other recommendation was for me to replace the pilot bearing. I see Bus Depot lists a pilot/needle bearing, but also some kind of gasket as well. Any last minute advice?
>
> Thanks,
> Ed in CT
>
>