welcome to the forums (IMG:
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the noise you are hearing is the clutch thrust bearing and could also be caused by a worn clutch this noise could go on for a long while without giving you any trouble. as regards to your other question. alot of the uk santa's have had the modified clutch fitted at some point, theres no way of telling without pulling the box out unless of course you have some documentation otherwise, l have done two clutch overhauls on a santa in the past and l have not been able to order the right clutch kit until l have had the box out. l am also moving your post over to the 'santa fe' forum for a better response from other members, please use this forum in future