Clutch Release Bearing

[special-K]

Never saw anything like this. My '99 Sonoma has been real hard to shift, get in gear when stopped. The clutch seems fine. Now I learn about what these trucks have instead of a slave cylinder/throw out bearing. I guess this is a common problem having these fail. My truck has the 2.2/NV1500. I'm used to "while you're into it you might as well get a new clutch" on my 4wd trucks. But I'm thinking just replace this part for now. Am I crazy? It don't expect it to be a hard thing to pull transmission, replace the part, re-install, and bleed. Who has done this job and what do you think?

[CastIron]

I did clutch on a S10 a few years ago and replaced everything. It had the same problem, hard to shift and soft clutch pedal. Bleeding it was little difficult. I'm pretty sure I had to gravity bleed it and have somebody pump the pedal to get out all the air. It helps to have proper bleeder wrench.
I generally replace a clutch if I'm going to have a manual transmission out, along with the rear main seal. If you get a kit, look for a Luk... Those are oem for a lot of GM vehicles, and they are not expensive. And they last a long time.

[special-K]

Thanks. I see the LUK being pushed to the front in my search but no info. I could assume they are preferred for being better quality at a good price, and you confrmed that.

I have always been of the mind, "when I'm in there I'll take care of everything". But I'm thinking just the release bearing this time. After driving 8-lug 4wds all my life I see pulling the NV1500 as no big deal. The clutch is fine and no leaks. I'd like to do a lot of things in the future, like bump up the power. Right now just driving it. Once I get into playing with it I'll put a new high-performance clutch in or it will be other drivetrain