ok, got an 81 cj7, 258, t-5 trans, dana 300 tranfer case, 3.31's, dana 30/amc20 on 35's. i know it isnt the best combination, but the jeep is still a work in progress as i can afford to upgrade stuff. im tryng to feel out weather my t-5 or my clutch is going up. jeep seems to drive fine in all the gears with no noises. when i come to a stop and press on the clutch pedal and hold it to the floor, sometimes i get a noise that sounds like the t-5's gears are grinding. it almost sounds like the clutch isnt fully disengaging the trans from the idling motor. so do ya think it could be the clutch worn/going up/or need of adjustment? or is it a sign that the t-5 is starting to go?

That sounds like the throwout bearing.

Mine does the same thing despite a new clutch, throwout bearing, and a rebuilt T5. Mine is the worst going into 5th though. I think its the T5.

tuff going into 5th might be worn out syncros.

try adjusting your clutch? or do you have a hydraulic linkage?

It goes in fine, the syncros are new, it just rattles while shifting. I would think throwout bearing but it doesn't do it in all gears.