That could be the difference with that 2". It'll give you throw at the very beginning of the pedal throw, then adjust rod for the free play. It might make everybody happier!
the 7" rod may not be for A bodies. It just may help him out of something that may be different in his installation. Just ask for the longer rod and don't be so concerned whether A body. I have an E body.
Year one lists the 2 different size rods, 5"& 7" so call them and order the 7" rod. I have an e body with a gen 2 hemi & 5 speed tremic tranny, and don't remember if I had to go to the bigger rod. I did this installation about 15 years ago so can't remember all the details, just know it's been working well all these years. Car was original 4 speed so came with all the goodies factory installed.
I would be more concerned about why the adjuster is on and angle , the adjuster should be perfectly aligned with the grommit on the end of the clutch fork .
There's a tongue on the fork and a receptor in the bell housing that holds the fork. The tongue on the fork is about 1/2 wide and about 2" long and sits in the metal receptor that's bolted in the bell housing. So it's not really a pivot ball, just a pivot point. I hope this clears that up.
I don't know if that pivot is available new by itself. I see Year one sells it with the fork, but its pricey. Maybe there's one somebody that has kicking around that they can spare. Good luck.
Brian, glad that you got your clutch problem figured out. A factory service manual should be added to your tool box. You can download one from MyMopar.