06 4.3 intermittent starting issue & clutch issue.

[DMicklon]

over the summer I got a 06 gmc 4.3 v6 5 speed. When starting in the morning, both in the heated garage where it is usually kept, and outside in about 10 degree cold, EVEN when it has been siting for a couple days, it cranks right up. In-fact it might sound weird, but it seems like it starts almost TOO fast (it barely cranks 1 FULL time) And when it has been running in the last 15 mins it fires right up also, but in between about 20 mins and 2 hours, it takes 12-15 cranks and it spits and sputters during the cranking. Other than that it idles smooth(well as smooth as a 4.3 can), runs perfect and it has never NOT started. I had some other work done to it at a GM dealership near me and asked them what it might be. He said fuel pump, and told me to prime it before starting to see if it helped, It did NOT. Not sure what to do from here, I don't want to spend un-needed $$$$ on a wild goose chase, thought some people from here might have some experience with this truck.

The more prominent issue with this truck is the clutch. Let me first say that for 6 years before this truck I drove a manual car, EVERY DAY. The first time I tried to takeoff in the truck I stalled it.... ABOUT 15 TIMES. I know how to drive a stick and this truck kicked my ASS. so I've driven it a-lot since then and have learned a few things. Where the actual clutch grabs in the petals range of motion, is about 1/2 an inch and its ON THE FLOOR. like so ON THE FLOOR sometimes (like at stoplights) I almost have to put my hand on my knee and jam the petal into the floor to get it into gear. I asked the same guy at the GM shop and he LOOKED at it and said it was "not gone, but paper thin". This time I looked for a second opinion from a local shop I knew and trusted and he agreed. The thing is I bought the clutch itself and was prepared to do it myself but got busy, keep in mind that I am driving the truck DAILY. Now several months passed and no change in the clutch. I've put about 6,000 MILES on it! And since I was expecting it to go any day, I have NOT been easy on it. (plus I insulate for a living so Im hauling about 800 lbs of tools and materials everyday) I asked the dealership if bleeding the system might help. They said probably not and would NOT do it. I dont have high hopes with this problem as everything I read from owners of these trucks say they NEVER, no mater how meany parts they change NEVER like the petal feel of the 4.3 with a manual. Any knowledge would be appreciated, thanks.