There should be about 1/4" to 1/8" of play at the end of the shift fork where the cable attaches. Cables tighten as the clutch wears out which is why the self-adjusting stock quadrant gives up slack as it adjusts.
Where is the friction point now that you adjusted the pawl? Is it better than 2 inches from the floor? I agree that you should replace that quadrant, but we should see if we can fix it in the mean time. You were looking at it, since you pretty much described it, so do the teeth on the quadrant look worn out? It's also possible that you broke the clutch release fork where the throw out bearing attaches. It sounds like it could have pushed back some. That pop may have been it breaking, or it could have been the quadrant shredding a gear.
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351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible