installing clutch/brake support spring help please

[kensmith]

Ok, I am trying to install that crazy big spring that has the separate extension to the clutch and brake pivot bracket. I tried putting washers between the spring coils but still about 1/2" short. Anyone have a truck to installing it? I just can't stretch the spring enough. Is there some kind of small spring spreader? Thanks !!!

[kmead]

You just need more pennys and to build up your arms by repeated 16oz lifts...

It is just an ugly job. There are spring pliers you can get for doing rear drums which might help.

Karl

[kensmith]

This is as far as I could go:

[manoa matt]

What I do is to attach the far end of the spring, and attach the "S" hook and leave them dangle. Take a length of 1/4" diameter rope and make a loop about 16"-18" long. Thread one end through the steering column and hook it on the end of the spring. While sitting in the drivers seat pull on the other end of the loop and with your free hand reach under and secure the "S" hook to the spring. Try to thread the loop of rope though so you are pulling straight on the spring.

While sitting in the seat you can press your feet against the fire wall and pull back with more force than if you are trying to do so lying on your back looking up at the assembly.

[TulsaSpider]

Sounds like good advise, my luck the thing would pop off and give me a black eye! So that's why most of them have the spring deleted I would say!

[kensmith]

I wonder if anyone has done a poll to see how many have the spring and how many don't? I see the reason for it to counter the action of pushing in the clutch and brake pedal, but then it is a constant pull on the pivot of those parts. Which is worse? push or pull?

[thefiatek]

It's not that hard in the car, just keep your fingers away from the clutch pedal fork where the cable hooks on. (ask me how I know)

Take a pair of GOOD vise grips and clamp them on middle of the hook (not the spring) at a 45 degree angle from vertical, hook the spring in place on both ends. BTW As you clamp them on keep tightening them until you can barely get them to close. One they're on there good, take a pry bar (24-30") and insert it in front of the vise grips and behind the rod that the spring hooks over and pry. Once past the rod push up on the hook so it latches in place. Remove vise grips. The pedal operates considerably smoother with this in place. I always install it.

[kensmith]

Thanks for the help guys. I will tackle the stubborn spring today. If you don't hear from me, I'm at the Doctors because the spring won the battle!

[kensmith]

UPDATE........didn't need to see the Doctor after all!!!!! But I did change the install method. I used quarters. Pennies are too small. I put one end of the spring in my vice, took a wide tip standard flat blade screwdriver to the other end so I could bend the sprint to the left or right. Inserted a quarter into each space while bending the spring alternating left to right. It took a quarter between each coil on both sides to get the correct length. It went on like it was meant to. Then I started removing each quarter with some needle nose pliers and done. No cuts, bruises, headache, almost too easy. Thanks for all the help! I am sure the other methods work but I was too chicken to try them.

[mdrburchette]

The quarters were the trick! I couldn't figure out why you were having such a hard time since I've done it successfully several times. I don't bother pulling the quarters out. As soon as you push the pedal the money will fall out.

[kensmith]

The quarters were the trick! I couldn't figure out why you were having such a hard time since I've done it successfully several times. I don't bother pulling the quarters out. As soon as you push the pedal the money will fall out.

Mine didn't fall out when depressing the clutch pedal. Maybe there is more tension on my spring?