4KCSQ clutch

[Michael.D.Nelson@Dartmouth.Edu (Michael D. Nelson)]

Hi everyone...I'm concerned that the clutch on my '86 4KCSQ may be dying.  My
mechanic has checked it twice and says it's ok, but I'm still concerned for the
following reasons:  (1) it doesn't engage until pedal is around 2 in. from the
end of its travel, (2) clutch effort is rather high, and (3) there is a
squeaking noise during clutch engagement/disengagement.  

Should I just go ahead and replace it now or wait and see what happens?  My
mechanic said it would cost around $700 (ouch), but I really don't want to be
marooned in rural Vermont (ok, so it's all rural!) with a smoked clutch.

TIA for your opinions...

Mike Nelson
'86 4KCSQ, 175K

past:
'83 4K 4E