Transmission problems....again

it might be related to the steel retainer. Sometimes the bearing race is located in the wrong spot and when the retainer is torqued to spec, it puts to much load on the bearing. There are shims available so that you can space it out a little to get proper preload on the bearing while still getting the bolts torqued to spec.

I also have an 88GT with a T-5. I'm not sure what all was replaced on your tranny/clutch? I redid my clutch last spring. I don't like going back in to redo things so I did a complete over haul. Which included - resurface flywheel, new pilot bearing, new throw-out bearing, new pressure plate, clutch disk, pivot bolt, bearing retainer and clutch fork. Basically anything that can wear out or bent needs to be replaced. Sounds like it is a moving part like a bearing what about your pilot bearing is it smoked? Was everthing properly lubed. Bearing retainers are known to get a groove/ridge in them which makes the throw out bearing stick. Inspect yours by running your fingers over it to see if there is a noticeable ridge? If you didn't replace the throw-out bearing with the new bearing retainer I think that may be part of your problem?

In theory the steel retainer should bolt on no prob, but often they dont. I got one from Summit that was so loose I could wobble the input shaft even with the old shim. I just pawned it on ebay because a shim kit is like $60 and the retainer was 40. That and I'm selling the car. You need to check the runout on the input.

Thats what I'm saying; mine was too loose, yours may be too tight.