1998 blazer clutch problems

My 1998 Blazer's clutch is very hard to press down. The previous owner replaced the clutch recently and it just seems way to stiff. The truck has 138k on the clock. I have the engine out now for replacement so now's a good time to check the clutch. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Clutch pedal hard to push down points to the pressure plate.
Could be a defective pressure plate or a HD clutch in it.
I would Install a new clutch kit while it is out.
MT

Thanks for the info MT. Do I need to get the flywheel turned? I guess that's the way to go if the pedal moves freely with the pressure plate off.

Unless the fly wheel surface has bad burn/heat spots on it I do not have them resurfaced.
The more mill a flywheel the weaker they get.
Just like turning a brake rotor.
But on the clutch kit go for a new matched set.
That rebuilt stuff does not do good.
Good luck.
MT