One big thing to remember is that once you have your engine/tranny out, NOW is a very good time to think about replacing the fuel lines that run from the fuel tank to the engine. They are VERY difficult to get to with the transmission in the car, but a lot easier to do right now.

One of mine just started leaking and had to be fixed with the tranny/engine in the car. Please look at doing yours now.

ha! now i'm stuck on trying to pull off the pressure plate! rubber mallet it is. (bolts are out)

Did you find out what the problem was with the clutch?