Does adjusting the freeplay on my clutch pedal have anything to do with engagement point? If so, does backing out the rod *towards* the driver increase freeplay of vise versa?

Yes. Adjusting the rod out will take up any free play AND make the engagement of the clutch higher in the pedal travel. I mess around with mine for days after a clutch install until I find a happy medium between free play and engagement.

------------------
Ross
1996 Talon AWD
Best ET: 12.254 (small 16G)
Best Trap: 114.35 mph
http://members.xoom.com/RossSL/
http://sfla.dsm.org Webmaster

I disagree adjusting the rod has no effect on the "clutch" free play.

All it does is adjust the pedal height.

The only play you can remove is the loosness in the pivot connection on the pedal. This is done by adjusting the pedal stop or rod length so there is a touch of preloaded pressure on the rod.