Clutch, trany, U-joint why?

[Redneck ZR2]

Hey ya'll-
I have a '97 Chevy S-10 ZR2 5 speed manual with some issues.
First of all it started making some cluncks and pops and a fast clicking noise, almost a rumble from under the bed on take off. I think that is the U-joints going bad?
Then the clutch feels like its not engaging until the last inch or 2 on release. Also in third, fourth, and fifth gears if I try to accelerate the RPM's just go up but my speed dose no increase whatsoever, and when I release the accelerater the RPM's just drop back down to where they were. Is this my clutch not grabbing or what? What is causing this and what needs to be fixed and how?

Any and all suggestions are vary much appreciated Thank you.

[amastron]

Sounds like your truck needs both the U-joints and the clutch replaced!
That clunking is the play in the joint,pull the drive shaft out by removeing the u-bolts at the rear housing and slide the drive shaft out of the transmission (there will be gear oil leaking when it comes out so drain some down before pulling it out) there will be clips of some kind that hold the bearing cups in ,remove them and press out one side then the other.They are harder to get back in so if you never done any I would take it to some one who has.
Same with the clutch if you never done one.
The clutch is slipping, when you mash the gas and the RPM's go but you don't, all your doing is burning up your flywheel!
The drive shaft, transmission and bellhousing has to come out, also the rear of the engine has to be supported before removing the pressure plate and clutch plate safely.

amastron

[Redneck ZR2]

Thanks a bunch I was pretty sure that those were the problems but I wanted to check before I start replacing