throwout bearing to fingers gap?

With my helper pushing the pedal to the floor, I can get a .026 feeler gauge between disk and flywheel.

Diaphragm clutch? If so, that's really close to what you need. If Borg & Beck, not. Either way I'd adjust it until you get the recommended clearance and see if your throwout bearing is still not touching the release fingers (B&B) or spring (diaphragm) when your foot is off the pedal. If it is touching, you might need a longer fork to give you enough travel to get sufficient plate departure while still keeping clearance enough for the throwout bearing. Or you could lengthen one of the Z bar arms.