How to adjust the clutch

U need a new clutch, period.

There are probably Manufacturers specs for this. But you want a little free play at the top to insure the pressure plate bearing is not loaded.
An inch of play before resistance is felt should be good enough. When the clutch wears in later, you may need to adjust the cable to get the pedal higher off the floorboard.

CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT:
(a) Check that the pedal free play and push rod play are correct.
(1) Depress the pedal until clutch resistance begins to be felt.
Pedal free play:
5.0 to 15.0 mm (0.197 to 0.591 in.)
(2) Gently depress the pedal until the resistance begins to increase a little.
Push rod play at pedal top:
1.0 to 5.0 mm (0.039 to 0.197 in.)
(b) Adjust the pedal free play and push rod play.
(1) Loosen the lock nut and turn the push rod until the correct free play and push rod play are obtained.
(2) Tighten the lock nut.
Torque: 12 N*m (120 kgf*cm, 8.7 ft.*lbf)
(3) After adjusting the pedal free play, check the pedal height.

Your clutch is not hydraulic but is supposed to self adjust. Try the procedure below to help it adjust. If it will not adjust, the clutch may be worn out.

ADJUSTMENT

Free-Play See Figures 8, 9 and 10
The clutch free-play is adjusted automatically by a built-in clutch control mechanism. This device allows the clutch controls to self-adjust during normal operation.
The system consists of a spring-loaded gear quadrant, a spring-loaded pawl and a clutch cable which is spring-loaded to preload the release lever bearing. This compensates for movement of the release lever, as the clutch disc wears. The pawl, located at the top of the clutch pedal, engages the gear quadrant when the clutch pedal is depressed and pulls the cable through its continuously adjusted stroke. Clutch cable adjustments are not required because of this feature.

Fig. Fig. 8: Clutch self-adjusting system component identification for the 3.8L engine


CHECKING ADJUSTMENT
The self-adjusting feature should be checked every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). This is accomplished by ensuring that the clutch pedal travels to the top of its upward position. Grasp the clutch pedal with your hand or put your foot under the clutch pedal, and pull up on the pedal until it stops. Very little effort is required (about 10 lbs./4.5 kg). Finally, depress the clutch pedal and listen for an audible "click.'' If you hear a sound, the clutch was in need of adjustment, and it has just adjusted itself.

Clutch ADJUSTMENTS 1997-98 Models CLUTCH PEDAL HEIGHT The clutch pedal height should not be a periodic adjustment but may be checked after components of the mechanical clutch system have been replaced. The proper clutch pedal height should be 0.2 in. (5mm) above the brake pedal height If adjustment is necessary, loosen the locknut and turn the adjusting bolt until the appropriate height is reached. Once set, keep the bolt from turning and tighten the locknut to secure the adjustment. CLUTCH PEDAL FREE-PLAY The clutch pedal free-play should be checked from time-to-time in order to assure proper clutch operation. The proper clutch free-play should be 0.6-1.1 in. (15-25mm). Fig. 1: Pedal free-play is adjusted at the joint nut (2), while keeping the outer cable nuts (3) tightened around the center cable thread portion

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. If the free-play must be adjusted, turn the joint nut (2) located at the transmission end of the clutch cable in or out, as necessary to achieve the proper play.
3. Once the correct pedal free-play is obtained, check the free-play on the release arm (c), it should be 0.02-0.06 in. (0.5-1.5mm).

1999-01 Models These vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic clutch system. No adjustment is necessary.

check your clutch pedal for free play it should be 3/4" it might be adjusted up to much, you might have to adjust it off a little....hope this helps....cheers

if it has a cable for clutch you need to adjust it. if its hydralic then the master cylinder may be not bleeding off properly when cold or slave sticks when cold. you need to measure pedal free play that is how far pedal goes down before resistance is felt there needs to be 1/2 to 1 inch or so free play to make sure that the release bearing isnt riding on the pressure plate [would be the same as riding the clutch] the 1/2 inch higher than brake pedal probem can be adjusted on the pedal stop but shouldnt be the problem. of course the clutch could be just plain worn out to.

Sounds to me like the clutch disc is shot. Make sure there is a little bit of play in the pedal at the top of travel. If you put your foot on the pedal and there isn't any play at the top then the clutch may not be engaging all the way (and you may have burned up the clutch from the slippage). Good Luck,...ZMANRACING

check clutch master cylinder rod adjustment and pedal height should be just higher than brake pedal. could try and bleed system also.
most hydraulic clutch systems have high take up points, adjust master cylinder rod, check for free play at top after adjusting if all that is O.K. then clutch plate may be nearly worn out but not slipping at this stage.

A clutch is usually adjusted from underneath the car if it's a mechanical clutch.

Your comment that there is very little play at the top indicates an improperly adjusted clutch. You should have about 1/2 - 3/4 inch of play before feeling the clutch in the pedal.