HI Smed and Oldyzman,
I pulled down the clutch last night for another looksie. All of the bits are in there that should be there (correct # of plates, all the right thrust washers etc) but the inside of the lifter is actually quite badly worn, as is the outer ridge that presses on the pressure plate. So that must mean that the push rod has to extend another 2-3mm further to disengage the plates correct?
I think if that is the case then I will do as Smed suggests and find a smal ball bearing for inside the lifter to make up the difference.
thanks for your advice guys,
Jarrod