sorry to tell you but your symptoms are Exactly the same as mine
were- I hope your result is not though..
anyhow i did the same test as you with the same result about
3.5 inches of play.http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=35501&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP