I'm in the process of changing out my transmission (W56), and I already knew the throwout bearing was going out....so I have one on hand to replace that also.

When I removed the transmission and started inspecting the clutch, the first thing I noticed was that there was alot of WEAR where the throwout bearing contacts the "spring loaded fan-fingers" of the clutch. This is a new Marlin clutch that I installed maybe 5,000 miles ago. Is this normal?? Or, is it possible that the bad throwout bearing has caused this to wear abnormally fast??

Now, my next question is the biggy.....does this wear change my methodology of simply swapping out the throwout bearing? Will the new throwout bearing be damaged or not operate correctly with this worn spot in the clutch?? I don't have a micrometer, but I'd say the clutch fingers are worn down approximately 1/64"....somewhat substantial. Even on my old ass clutch that I replaced, I didn't have wear like this....perhaps this was caused by me being stupid with my duals?? I don't know...anyways.

Thanks for any insight...
Max