1986 CJ7 Throw Out Bearing?

I'm just guessing?.......that my Throw out bearing on my Tranny is on it's way out, from the noise that it is making.
My question is.........how Big a job is that to fix the problem?
I really love my Jeep .......but......the noise is really bugging me and I am wanting to get her fixed as soon as I can get her in to my Mechanic.
Or.......should I be shopping for another Tranny?
Not being familiar with Jeeps at all and the 4 wheel drive differentials and things like that........just wondering.....what you guys think?
Thanks for any info that you can send my way.
HHG  

the transmission on a jeep cj-7 is very easy to remove alone, and if you take a few hours it will save you hundreds at a shop. first thing is to support the engine, make sure the load is supported over a wide area (use a wood block), so when the engine is lifted -slightly- it won't dent the pan. the skid-plate can now be removed, the 6 bolts holding them on are torqued around 60 lbs or so. now with the skid hanging from the transmission and transfer case bolts, (this limits the amount of bolt bind doing it in this order) now support the plate with either your arm or strap (it's fairly light) and remove mount bolts. now slide the plate out of the way. now everything is open to you. at this point remove the drivelines at the transfer case and tie them to the frame. (saves time and work) now unbolt the transfer case shifter and unbolt the transfer case, if still the factory dana 300, and clock it so it is pointing straight at ground this clears the exhaust and gets the case as close to the ground as posible. (limits the chance of dropping on yourself) now the transmission is removed, first by loosing the 5 10mm bolts holding the shifter in, and remove shifter through the floor. then unbolt the 4 transmission bolts that hold the transmission to the bellhousing. now the transmission can be slid straight back and removed, it weighs about 35 lbs if full. at this point you can do three things, first reach threw the hole in the bell housing the transmission was in and unclip and remove the throw-out bearing. second is, with a flashlight, inspect the pilot bearing. if it's worn out you'll need to pull the bell housing and clutch to repair. and third grab the splined shaft of the transmission and lift up and down or side to side, feeling for play. it will have a small amount, 1/8 inch total, if more then that it may need shimmed. now spin the shaft and feel for any binding or grinding, if you feel any of this it will need rebuilt. i'm not sure how confident you are with rebuilding your self, if you don't feel comfortable, send it to a shop. now if the only issue is play in the shaft your problem will most likely be fixed with a shim kit from 4 wheel hardware, or another transmission parts dealer. to shim simply remove the housing around the input shaft, and add shims as needed about .005 at a time, till the shaft has little play and a very slight drag. to reassemble just do the steps in reverse order. and when the time comes to re-install the skid-plate a ratchet strap may help to close the frame rails together to aid in bolting it in.

it sounds harder then it is, but the whole job is amazingly easy  

A bad throw out bearing will make noise until you push the clutch in then it usually quits. A bad pilot bushing will make noise when the clutch is pushed in & stop when its let out. Either way I would replace both as long as your in there. Some pilot bushings require you to soak them in oil for several hours. But NO grease!!!