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Hi there,
To answer the first question, yes, the clutch assembly is a total package bolted onto the flywheel and spins as a unit anytime the engine turns.
Only the clutch disc and the transmission input shaft stop when the clutch pedal is pushed to the floor.
This is suppose to be the only time the throw out bearing is required to spin. Otherwise, it just sits up too and just lightly touching, those spring fingers you mentioned.
If you remove the rubber dust boot from around the clutch lever you might be able to inspect the those fingers with a mirror and a real bright light. An inspection camera cable might be helpful also.
You will have to rotate the assembly by rotating the engine to look at them all.
A spring finger can crack and break off, nothing is impossible. So, if the assembly is really old or abused, like in speed shifting, it possible that is will go out of balance and thus do the vibration all the time. Any young drivers lately?
The severity depends on the length of the finger amount, i.e. the whole thing!
I had a coil spring (the shock asorber part) fall out from the friction disc once but that jammed the pressure plate disengagement. It got between the fingers and the disc. Didn't notice any vibration though?
I had to drive it home by coasting the throttle and then shifting. Got real good at timing the few traffic lights I had to go through and "Hollywooding" some stop signs.
Could you tell us which of the two mufflers is the one that rusted away? The rear ones have been known to crack their end supports and fall down.
If it was the front one you could have developed an issue with catalytic converter or that is, the honeycomb package inside it making some noise vibration. I don't think your car has heat shields.
There is also a header pipe support bracket that may have lost some bolts or it has a cracked plate beneath it that attaches to the twin pipes. This just before entering the front catalytic converter flange.
Also take a good look at the motor mounts and transmission mounts for excessive sag or softness.
You should not be able to rock your engine sideways very easily but it must move some.
The rear engine oil pan must clear the lower cross member by about one inch for both components to sit properly for alignment to the drive shafts rubber support member. All should look centered.
A 1982 has been around for awhile and the above components will and can be neglected but not for any purpose intentionally.
These cars are well built and last a long time that we sometimes forget them in the overall scheme of things to ponder as possibilities.
Good luck thumping and shaking things.
Phil
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