If the clutch arm is contacting the front of the bellhousing opening before the clutch releases, it doesn't matter if it's cable, hydraulic or a branch off the neighbor's oak tree, it's having to travel waaaay too far. T5 clutch setups are designed to have slight pressure, which means the throwout bearing is in contact during normal operation. My slave cylinder only has about an inch of travel total and only uses a touch over half that to completely disengage the clutch. If yours uses as much as you say, check the arm, bearing and pressure plate. Something is wrong. As far as I know there's only one bellhousing/clutch arm for Fox body T5's so if your sure it's a stocker, and the ball pivot is not broken off, it should be good. Compare all the parts to pictures found online and you'll find the problem. One final thought: if the flywheel has been ground too many times or the clutch disc is completely worn out, those things will cause the problem you're seeing.