Clutch help

[Redranger89]

I have a 1998 ranger. its got 116k in it. i have noticed that the clutch lets out late. i just recently took a 4 1/2hr trip with it and after that, i found that the clutch lets out really late. almost to the point where it will starts to stall,before it starts to go, i was wondering if i need a new clutch or if maybe that there is air in the system somehow. it still drives and all but i have noticed a very big difference from before i left to when i got here. also i didnt notice any power loss or slippage while driving the highway.
one more note it has been shifting real hard latley. you really have to put into gear.

 

[MAKG]

The clutch has two functions:

1. Slip when told to

2. Not slip when not told to.

If it does both of those, it works.