[jhv48]

Your assesment is correct. Sounds like a bind in either the HTB on the bearing retainer or the pressure plate itself could have one of the springs going out and is thus binding. I can't see the master cylinder causing this, but it is by far the cheapest and easiest piece to replace first.

So, if you are a gambler, start replacing one piece at a time and hope that was it. Start with the M/C first, it's the easiest but least likely. The HTB or the pressure plate is my guess.

If it were me, and it recently was, I would pull the tranny and examine the pressure plate and the HTB. Especially check the part of the HTB that slides on the bearing retainer from the TKO. Specifically, look for any marring of the metal finish on both the retainer and the HTB. If it is not perfectly smooth inside, replace it and the retainer. If neither shows any marks, then replace everything from the pilot bushing/bearing to the HTB. Otherwise you might miss the problem and will have to do it again.

Good luck.