So the transmission is finally on the ground. Inspection plate was grimey, but didn't have any fresh fluids on it. Flywheel and friction disc were dry as a bone. Not even a hint of contamination. A bit late to ignore the old seals as I've ordered sleeves and seals for the engine rear main, and tranny input/output. I only smashed my hand a little taking the pressure plate off. I bet the flywheel is going to hurt me on the way out/in.
The clutch disc still had a freaking ford logo on it. Probably a stretch to think it's the original, but I suppose anything is possible. Friction material was all but gone. Pressure plate was blued from getting hot... So, it's a good thing I'm replacing the flywheel and all!
Speaking on flywheels: I ended up with the wrong flywheel for my application. The one I got apparently fits the 94-97 PSD's. It's about an inch too big to cram into my transmission, so have to wait on the "right" one. Which had me questioning something...
If I replace the existing flywheel with the Valeo "upgrade" unit; Do I also need to replace the harmonic balancer (assuming the weight is different)? The other part I'm wondering about is the starter. I'm probably worrying about nothing.
Anyway, waiting on parts before the clutch can be tackled.