Typically the throw out bearing will only make noise when the clutch pedal is depressed, though I suppose a throwout bearing could get so bad that it would make noise all the time. The way you describe it sounds to me like the transmission might have a worn bearing, possibly the front bearing as that is turning if your trans is in neutral and the clutch is out. Do you think it might be possible that all this "jerkiness" or banging that you describe is coming from a very worn set of mainshaft transmission bearings? It is possible that some one, some where drove it many miles with a very low oil condition and you are seeing the results of that. That would also likely give you a reverse gear problem as reverse gear sits at the very back of the mainshaft, and perhaps you may even have a broken bearing on the mainshaft. I would suspect the transmission more then the suspension.

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