To check for excessive crank endplay on 99-00's for the potential thrust bearing issue, its recommended to pry on the crank pulley and measure endplay. Can this be done using your hands or does a crow bar need to be used? And how much force?

 

Have someone step on the clutch few times while you push the crank back with a wooden broom handle or something like that.

 

Take a dial indicator that is attached to a magnetic base. mount the magnetic base to the block and put the indicator square to the nose or flywheel flange of the crank. put a large screwdriver between the the counterweight and main cap, and very gently put pressure on one way and zero the indicator. You don't want to force it, Just make sure its seated in one direction.

Once the indicator is zero'd do switch and put pressure in the opposite direction and the reading on the dial is your endplay or thrust.