[DanEC]

The slave cylinder in my ERA appears to be spring loaded (against the TOB) although I haven't had a chance to disect one yet. Basically, IMO you need a return spring to counteract the spring in the slave cylinder. I've heard all of this stuff about Ford Mustangs and constant contact with the
TOB (my daily driver is a 2012 GT) but I'm not buying it. My GT definately has some free play at the pedal. If you have a push forward clutch arm, I would want it resting fairly close to the rear edge of the opening with the clutch out, just to be sure I have plenty of room for the stroke to disengage the clutch.

I believe your .022 to .025 inch disc/plate clearance is in the ballpark for a single disc clutch.

It's probably elementary and hate to mention it - but it's important the slave cylinder is very nearly bottomed out in it's bore when the clutch is engaged - in order to have full stroke when disengaging the clutch.