So I'm planning on doing to swap this summer, but I'm pretty sure my throw out bearing is fried, So Ima get a clutch. Would I be safe with a stage 1 if I'm planning on swapping to 5.4? Plus the swap probably means I have to replace the intake manifold as well as the headers if I understand it all correctly. Any suggestions?

And just for extra input.... there is a squeeling screeching sound when my clutch is engaged, gets louder and nastier sounding the farther I push the clutch down. This would be caused by the throw out bearing yes? And it is advisable to replace the enitre clutch when that happens? Its a 96 GT with about just under 140K.

 

I just went with the king cobra clutch on mine, really depends on what you're gonna do with it, but you can use the stock exhaust manifolds if you have to, I forget what brands fit and dont fit right now.

Generally, if its the throwout bearing it will stop making noise when you push the clutch in, Does it do it when you let the clutch out? I'd lean more tward the pilot bearing.

 

While you are down there, replace the pivot ball and clutch fork also. These two items usually wear down fairly quickly.

If you want a clutch recommendation, I'd stick w/ Hays, Ram, Centerforce, or McLeod. Spec I hear to much hit-and-miss w/. I myself am running a Hays 11" Street/Strip kit and so far have just been loving it. I'm sure that will be more than enough to handle a 5.4. If not, add a duel friction disc.