Hello, I recently had the exact same conversion done (the peugot to AX15) on my '89 at a local shop that specializes in jeep conversions. When it was first done I found the exact same symptoms, hard to engage (especially into first) and it seemed like the throw long wasn't enough. The problem turned out to be that the clutch pedal and mechanism itself was so worn that it wasn't activating the cylinder until the pedal was essentially almost down to the floor.
In my case they examined the entire clutch pedal assembly and linkage and (short of replacing it) welded up the sections that caused the loose play so it would activate the cyclinder as soon as the pedal was pressed. Same cylinder as the Peugot used.
However, they did replace the clutch entirely also so maybe there is another problem in your case.
Once that was done it made all the difference, problem gone. Then I replaced the stock shifter with a B&M unit and it is MUCH easier to shift.
Next step is Synthetic tranny fluid then I think the conversion will be done.
Just a thought anyway....