Some Clutch Issues

[H What 4.6]

The original clutch in my 97 GT with 72k on it has been acting up for a while now.....

Im not sure whats going on with it and im looking for some input....

1. sounds like bottle rockets (a loud shreiking) when clutch peddle is being depressed or released about half the time.......... im thinking throw-out bearing

2. clutch catches about 1 inch from the top...

3. it doesnt seem to have the snap it used too, its extremely spongey on hard shifts and its not strong on engaging as in it doesnt really have a snap to it anymore its more well the only way i can describe it is spongey .....

any advice??

Im going to pull it apart soon over the winter and see whats going on before i order parts but just looking for some input before i do so...

 

[Tally_4.6]

I'm pretty sure 1 is the TOB, as almost every mustang has TOB noise. I couldn't really help you with the other problems tho, maybe re-adjust it?