'99 F350 6-spd 55k miles, clutch bad????

[teglho]

I am the second owner of a late '99 F350 4wd dually with 7.3l and manual transmission. When I got the truck 3 years ago it had 38k miles. I thought at that time the clutch seemed odd, alot of travel in the pedal maybe 2 inches from the floor to disengage. But I hadn't driven a heavy duty standard in a while so I've driven it now to 55k miles and the pedal goes to the bottom before disengaging the tranny. When it's cold I have to shut off the truck to put it in reverse. Yesterday I pulled about 9000 lbs gross on my trailer and no slipping of the clutch which led me to think maybe the clutch isn't bad but something to do with the pedal. Is there any way the clutch could be gone at this mileage? Is there anything in the manual transmission assembly that wears out with age? Do I need a new clutch or is there something else to look for? A local shop quoted me $950 for a new clutch; he said something about new flywheel, hydraulics, etc. Does this sound like SOP? I need some information and advice, please.

[~CrazyDiesel~]

Maybe the fluid level is low/empty in the slave cylinder? Transmissions aren't my thing.

[hollister25073]

Go pick up a pre bled master/slave cylinder kit about $100 for a centric unit problem solved

[Colotow]

Ford did have some issues with the clutch arm breaking, mine did it. they bend near the pivot inside the bell housing. Can you get someone to step on the clutch while you watch it at the bell housing? (Make sure you block the wheels and set the park brake well, and it doesn't have to be running)