5000cstq clutch replacement snag

[mccarty@med.unc.edu ("Douglas M. McCarty")]

I've been lurking on this list for months now, picking up a lot of
useful information and usually finding what I need without having to
post a message. This clutch job is a little overwhelming though and I'm
running into problems at almost every step. The most serious snag now is
that I can't get the slave cylinder out. I drove out the roll pin (only
after modifying a pin punch by turning down the end to locate it in the
pin) but I still can't move it. I did manage to break off the bleeder
screw by trying to drive the slave out with a pipe and hammer from the
engine compartment. This is not a big problem since I already have a new
slave cylinder to replace it. 
Has anyone seen this problem before? I'm particularly worried that I
won't be able to separate the bell housing and transmission from the
engine with this thing in there, though I haven't gotten that far yet.
My own theory is that the rod from the slave cylinder has slid past the
release lever and gotten jammed there. I have tried working the clutch
pedal to push out the cylinder but it doesnąt budge. Any ideas?
The clutch breakdown was amazingly abrupt. I heard a high pitch
whirring-buzzing sound when the clutch pedal was pushed fully to the
floor for two days prior to the event. Still, shifting was smooth and
there was no problem in take-up, and no slipping. When I pulled out of
our driveway on the third day, the clutch pedal felt like it broke loose
from something and then no more clutch action. The pedal does still come
back up but cannot be pushed down very far with reasonable force.
Anyway, my current plan is to continue to disassemble and see if I can
pull the transmission off. That is, unless anyone has a better idea.
I have been watching Gisli's slipping clutch thread with deep concern. I
know the prospect of tearing this down again would be pretty sickening.
If I have any new insight while I'm in there I will definitely pass it
on. As far as the question of refacing the flywheel goes though, my
understanding from the manual is that the 5000s have a taper-cut
flywheel that cannot be re-cut.
Anyway, this list has been a great resource for me and a real pleasure
to read through. I can't tell you'all how much it is appreciated. 

TIA Doug, 1988 5000cstq