94 K1500 5.0 NV4500 clutch pedal stiff and noise

[mrmontebuilder]

My 94 RCSS 4x4 has the NV4500 5 speed and ocassionally it is hard to get in first say, if I stop at a long light or stuck in traffic and shift to neutral I need to shift to a different gear and back to first. Also this is the stiffest clutch I ever had, had vehicles with hydraulic, cable and linkage clutches some with aftermarket clutches and none were as stiff as this one.

When you push the clutch in as it reaches the bottom of it's travel there is a noise like a spring being extended as well. I am thinking slave is starting to get bound up and possibly also the bushing where the master is attached to the pedal is worn out or broken/missing.

Any suggestions ? I like the truck but most of my driving on a day to day basis is in traffic and the clutch is killing my leg.