For those replacing clutch and wondering what else to do, @sprag at VWVortex wrote:
I couldn't track this down specifically in the search- is this motor an interference motor? i am getting (perhaps unjustifiably) concerned that at ~144k the chains have never been touched. there isnt any unusual noise, but i am feeling like i should pre-emptively service - which i imagine would...
www.vwvortex.com
"As long as I was in there..." I did both motor mounts, the dogbone, crack pipe, thermostat, thermostat housing, alternator, water pump, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, transmission mainshaft service kit, timing chain kit, intermediate timing sprocket, rear main seal, dual mass flywheel, clutch and clutch release bearing, and probably some other stuff that I don't remember. Should have had the front bumper resprayed while I had it off, but it was during peak covid lockdown, and I couldn't find a shop open. Oh well. Next owner can do that, I'm done.