Kevin in Atlanta

My 87 does not like to be left un-driven and lets me know for the first few miles. Symptoms are a groan as the clutch pedal reaches the top of the release. Almost all of this happens when starting off in first gear. Yesterday it also happened during the 1st to 2nd shift a couple of times- again in the last few inches of the release.

No grinding or difficulty shifting and goes away after a few miles.

Candidates are pilot bearing, release bearing and torque tube. Opinions? Any BTDT?

-Kevin