fitted new clutch pack from CAP this past weekend. that fixed the problem i was having.

fyi: none of the old parts looked worn/damaged though. so i still do not quite understand what was wrong. maybe i'll post pics of the old parts later and somebody will see something. the clutch plate center piece(that the trans shaft fits through) is positioned differently on the newer plate. thats about the only thing i noticed. the stainless line works well. but i cannot say it has the same 'solid' feel as the oem setup. i may go back to that.

also, i had initially tried installing only a pilot bushing to see if that set things right. nope. only wasted time.

well, i can go back to looking for the cause of the 3.4L motor's tapping sound now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />