desperate for an answer - geo clutch

help! I'm ready to drop my new engine in, and I still haven't gotten an answer to my question about clutch lever travel.
with a new clutch, the lever on top of the transaxle only moves an inch or so and takes a lot of force. is this normal?
the trans went on with no apparent problems, got new plate and bearings.

I recently installed a new clutch but sorry to say I didn't pay too much attention to the tranny lever. I pressed the clutch pedal all the way in and rocked the car back and forth a few inches while in first or second gear. I then let the clutch out and tried to rock it and felt the right type of resistance. I concluded it was OK to fire it up when the rest of my engine work was complete. I hope this helps.

the lever on top of the transaxle only moves an inch or so and takes a lot of force. is this normal?
the trans went on with no apparent problems, got new plate and bearings.
Sounds like you probably used that lever to hold on to while putting the tranny into place, and in doing so moved it just enough to pop the throwout bearing into a crooked state.
Pulling on that lever before the tranny is mated to the engine (before the throwout bearing has the clutch pressure plate to stop it) could cause the bearing to pop off it's place on the shaft and get crooked.

Alternatively, if you mean it only moves an inch BY HAND, then hook the clutch cable up and try it with the pedal.
You're probably NOT going to be able to move the clutch lever by hand.. that pressure plate is tough :)

Thanks for the responses. I didn't use the clutch lever to mount the tranny and it was seated well when I attached it. I think it's just a case of my not being aware of how tough it should be to move the lever by hand. I'm installing the engine today, so I should know soon enough whether it's working or not. Thanks again!