2000 Cougar clutch

Hi, I'm new to the forum and like what I've read so far. Hopefully someone can help me out since we decided to buy out the lease on my wife's 2000 V6. Unfortunately we're on a tight budget and I will have to do as much of the maintenance as I can.

My main concern now is the car has 43,000 and the clutch release point is starting to get a little "thin".

My questions are:

1) Is this a typical mileage for the disk to wear out?

2) If not, is there a linkage adjustment I can make?

3) If the clutch is worn (as I suspect) how difficult is it to change out?

4) If this is strictly a dealership repair, how much can I expect to pay?

I have past experience rebuilding engines, replacing/upgrading clutches and rebuilding manual transmissions on rear wheel drive Chevy's but I am a total rookie when it comes to front wheel drive transaxle stuff.

Any constructive advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.