I've got a 64 F100 with a 3 spd tranny. Since day 1, I've had trouble finding the proper clutch return spring. Everyone says go to the auto parts store and get a cut to length spring, but every store I've been to doesnt have the proper gauge wire or coil diameter, even remotely close to what came off the truck or the "replacement" spring I had.

From the Ford trucks parts manual, I ordered the spring according to the proper part number, and the spring I got is what I would say about 2 inches too short.

How important is this spring? I mean, I know its needed, but beyond that, what are the minimum requirements? If I have a spring with sufficient tension, and it will fully return the clutch arm once the pedal is released, am I good to go? Or is there a minimum spec I need to hit?

I was considering using the "short" spring I have, but that will result in the spring constantly remaining under tension (probably 125% elongation at rest), and eventually will break.

I'm very well overthinking this - it's probably just the engineer in me. The average Joe will tell me just to get a spring and roll with it, but in my mind, it's a "is it 5 N*m or 500N*m" type of deal. I'm used to having specs to go off of, but cant find any on this spring. In a nutshell, I dont want to put the wrong spring that results in either me destroying my throw out bearing in 2 weeks but at the same time I dont want to go to the other end of the spectrum and be on the side of the road cause of a broken $5 spring.

 

I just got a Help! spring assortment and used the cut to length spring. it worked fine for years. No idea what that assortment part number is or if it is even still available. It was a long time ago.

Another option is to measure the retracted and extended dimensions and try to find a spring at an industrial supply like Mcmaster-Carr that fits those requirements.

You will know if it is working correctly by simply ensuring that the pedal is touching the bump stop with the pedal released. There could be some trial and error in finding the right one but you won't be stuck on the side of the road. You'll still be able to get home.

 

Was it by chance this one?!

I went to about 5 more auto parts stores today and 3 fleet supply stores, and finally found this pack at a Pep Boys. I think I'll be able to make something out of this to work! Every other store I'd been to previously only had throttle return springs, which are way too weak.

On a side note, I have no clue how my post made it to the unibody forum. I wish I had a unibody! Too bad the forum wont allow users to move their thread to the proper forum, but it's ok because I think I have a solution now. Thanks
charliemccraney

 

it was similar to that, if that's not it. I think I used the smaller one.

 

I'm about to get under the truck in a minute and see which ones works best. I know one thing though, whichever ones I dont use are going in the glove box as spares in case I have that spring break going down the road with how my luck goes ha.