The cable operated clutch is not bad and if it works then I would stay with the cable. As far as worring about the TO Brg -don't. It will probably fall out and that's ok, bell housing has to come off too if you are replacing clutch. Try this procedure:
1. remove shifter for ease
2. remove driveshaft after removing rear U-Joint
3. remove trans support brace (two side bolts and two trans bolts)
4.remove 4 1/2" trans bolts and stuff rags in tail shaft of trany if you have not drained the fluid
(some people have tie wrapped a baggie around the tail shaft to keep fluid from draining out.)
5. use trans jack or floor jack and slide trans back (unless frame has changed you will need to lift the tail shaft over the rear X Frame to get the T-5 back far enough for the pilot shaft of the transmission to clear the bell housing
6. remove the cable clip from the drivers side of the bell housing
7. remove the 6 bell housing bolts & remove BH (get the top two bolts from top of engine compartment)
8. remove the six bolts around your pressure plate and remove clutch and PP.
9. inspect clutch for
oil or debris or wear.
10. make sure the engine is NOT leaking
oil at the rear main (that will ruin your clutch disc).
11. Inspect you fly wheel for excessive bluing or signs of
oil (it may need to be turned by a machine shop)
12. Make sure to replace your clutch with the same size disc as you are taking off and be sure to face your clutch in the right direction during re-install.
Did Bryan supply this engine to you or did you have the engine built in CA? 5,000 miles is not very many miles to need a new clutch unless your rear main has failed.
Clois