318 poly wide block

If you do get to the point you have to take it apart, and you might be "there" now, I would certainly replace the clutch unless it looks good and you find "something else" that is for sure the problem

I'm starting to think more and more it is "junk" in the clutch. Is there a bottom cover on the bellhousing?

It probably is junk considering there is leaks that have been leaking for obviously quiet some time and the previous owner had gone out to burning man 6 times with it so there is desert mud all mixed into all the grease and all over everything that isn't greasy too. Like thick caked on dried mud.

Where is the bell housing?