This might be a little premature but I think the replacement clutch I've installed is a good one and the problems are over.

In a nutshell, the original release arm fractured at the pivot and caused the slave cylinder's piston travel out of it's bore and jam.

While pulling the trans to replace the arm and pivot ball I replaced the original clutch, pressure plate and release bearing with an OEM Sachs replacement kit. Did the rear seal and pilot bearing too.

The new clutch would not disengage completely, preventing me from shifting into R, 1st or 2nd. The vendor, FCPGroton was excellent about it and even though several weeks passed since receiving it, they replaced it for me. The replacement, also a SACHs, (but with the a Scan Tech sticker?) went in and seems to be working well. I say seems to as the car is on jacks but I'm able to see the output yoke through the hole in the tunnel and turns slowly with the trans in neutral, when I clutch it stops completely and I can shift into all gears easily.

Tomorrow the front shaft section goes in and I go for a drive. It's been a long time.

The problem with the first one was likely a defective pressure plate.

Regards,
--
Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 190,000 miles, '95 855t 92,000 miles