k i am new here and i just bought a 1996 T-100 4x4. i had a friend in my truck and he told me it sounds like my fan clutch is starting to go. with the motor off if turns but it is a little stiff. are there any tests? about hard should it be to turn the fan? should it free spin smooth, or have a little tension?

It should spin free with the engine off. I would go with a electric fan, and get rid of the fan and clutch asssembly. You will need to add a few washers to the studs bolted to fan and clutch. Make sure you get a fan relay and temp control with the electric fan. This will save on gas and give a few horses back.