Struggling to get the right length of clutch cable
for 1998 escort ghia x (mk6?)

All the dealer specs just show 1 type of cable, but it won't fit
( too long! ) any ideas?

Mechanic thinks the gearbox was changed post pruduction
and existing cable does not fit. Everyone is stumped.

How do I move on from this ?
There must be hundreds of cars like mine with this issue?