The car is only hard to shift with engine running, shifts OK when engine is stopped (as much as a 4+3 ever does)

After searching threads, it seems that the slave cylinder is usually the culprit. So, even though I was not losing fluid, I ordered a replacement from rock auto.

However, now that I look under the car while someone depresses the clutch (maybe I should have done this first), the slave cylinder is in fact moving the clutch. The rod on the end of the slave cylinder moves only about 3/4 of an inch, but also from what I've read in the threads, this is about all that you get.

Whatchall think? The clutch is about 3-4 years old, but I don't drive the car all that much, and besides, don't worn out clutches just slip, and not make the tranny hard to shift as a symptom?

FSM doesnt say how much slave cylinder should move.......

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3/4 of an inch"

Doesn't sound like much.

I replaced my master last year, and when I had the slave apart to bleed the system, there was at least 3" of travel. The slave sleeve is at least 4 to 5" long, so I'd think you need more travel than what you mention.

Can't add more than that. My Chilton's manual doesn't give a travel length spec either.

yah I wouldnt have thought that was enought movement either, but now that I look at the book closer, its says .70 inch travel at the clutch fork. In the last week, the problem seems to have gotten worse with the car just sitting there. It wont go into any gear now (with the engine running)

I'd try bleeding it first thing. It is pretty easy to do and you can even pump the pedal with your right arm while bleeding the slave with your left.

I replaced both slave and master. Seems like a typical thing to replace as these cars get older. I also got a new hose. The job isn't as hard as it would seem. Beats being stranded.

3/4" should be plenty. Even a half inch will do it.

It does sound like the clutch is dragging though, based on your description.

Remember? this was one of my complaints as well before I fried the thing.

I tried to start the car with the clutch in and gear selected and the car moved, so, obviously the clutch is not releasing completely. I dropped the slave and see now where it has been leaking....so...a change is in order. The only question now, is do I do the right thing and spring for the line and the master at the same time....

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Interesting question.

I only replaced my Master last year.
Looked at the line, looked OK to me.
The Slave, on the other hand, is probably ripe for replacement.
That could happen this summer, I suppose.
But to get back to your question, my opinion is,
if you feel like doing all 3, go for it. A car this old, who
knows when they were last replaced. Doesn't hurt (other than $$)
to replace them together, I was just too lazy to do it all at once.
(Not to mention, notoriously cheap too- kids need to go to college, you know)