I've owned my 96 XJ for two years now and it has been reliable as ever. I bought it with a 3" rough country sus lift and 31X10.5X15s at 125k miles. My only gripe initially was the rust on the passenger rear rocker and surface rust underneath. After driving it for 7k miles over the past 2 years ive noticed that the clutch is abnormally stiff and it does not like to shift into first from a stop. There is also grinding when trying to shift to reverse from a stop. From what I've read, it looks like it could be a master/slave cylinder or possibly a clutch pressure plate. Has anyone else had this issue, resolved it, and has some advice to offer? much appreciated.

Side Note: this is my first post, be nice lol. If I didnt post it in the right location advice on that would also be appreciated.