Sounds like a good idea to try just the cable. I changed the clutch in my '86 trooper as well as the cable, and the difference was amazing. If you do have to change the clutch, go ahead and borrow or rent a transmission jack. I did it without one, and it was tuff. I used 2 floor jacks and tie down straps hooked to the body to form a cradle for the transmission and transfer case. They are very heavy, as the transfer case is iron clad rather than aluminum clad. The hardest part was getting it lined back up and mated to the engine. I actually got it started and then laid on my back and used my legs to lift/ kick it in. Yes a transmission jack would have been a lot easier.