just a small update...
trans out:
clutch/flywheel out
new clutch/flywheel installed
trans is apart and the stock diff is out. gotta get the new bearings on the new diff and then i'm ready to reassemble/reinstall.
did find this stuck the to magnet in the trans though... it's a bellville washer that's broken in half. now I just need to figure out where it came from...