A compressor going bad can cause a clutch to go first. I replaced the clutch (on the car) and 2 weeks later had to replace the compressor.

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1983 300SD 343K everyday car
1983 300SD 285K from junk yard-tooks parts from deer car- runs great. Brothers car.
1984 300SD parts car-Hit deer
1979 300D 175K non-turbo "Doctor"
1979 300d parts car