Help! Any auto mechanics out there?

I have a 1973 Chevrolet Scottsdale (pick up truck). I have only had it for a few weeks, so far, and I've been having difficulties getting it running from day one. I knew this was going to be a task, but what I didn't know is that the one thing I have NO experience with would be the thing giving me trouble.

Which is...flywheels.

Can any of you familiar with flywheel problems tell me, what noise, exactly, would a bad flywheel cause? If I do not fix it right away, what problems will it cause? I plan to have it fixed as quickly as possible, if that IS what is wrong. Putting off fixing it would just cause alot more trouble, correct?

I know nothing about flywheels, unfortunately, so I'm desperate for help, here. :oops: I'm usually good under the hood, but I feel really helpless with this project, as I have no idea what the trouble is.

I know, I know. A professional mechanic would be best, and I may go so far as to try having them look at it, but this is, like I said, a "project" vehicle. I have a fantastic running truck, but I keep at least one "project" around at all times. I love to have something to work on...it's been this way for the past 7 years. I get a bit crazy if I don't have something to perfect. ;) I feel kind of silly not knowing about flywheels, though! You'd think it would have been a common problem, but nope!! First vehicle I've ever owned that has ever had it as a possibility, unfortunately! (I hear it's hard, though. Something about having to remove the engine and the like? True? False? Hard? Simple? Help!)

Thanks in advance! I know you guys are always helpful with everything else, so I'm just posting this in hopes this is a subject well-researched, too. :)