Clutch pedal return spring

Anyone have a method for installing the return spring. It's so stiff that it's almost impossible to stretch into place.:?

 

If i remember right i used a drum brake spring stretching dohicky thingamabober

 

Here's a scan out of my 80 Jeep FSM. It requires drilling a hole in the firewall. I had to replace my spring. No problems using the FSM method.

 

Here's what I did..

I put one hook end of the spring in a vise. I got a handful of stainless steel, 3/8" flat washers. I used stainless washers because they're thinner than steel washers, plus, I had them on hand.

I put a washer between each coil of the spring, along the topside of the spring. This spread the spring, but caused it to "banana" downward.

I took the spring out of the vise, and turned it over (washers now in a row on the bottom, facing the floor). Reclamped it in the vise.

I put washers between each coil ot the topside, again. This straightened the spring back out. It was now, plenty long enough to hook up, under the dash.

Then, I pulled the washers out, one at a time, with pliers.

Worked great!

Rich

 

Where does one get these springs? I don't see any listed at my FLAPS.

 

I picked mine up at 4WD...part# 5351118.
Thanks for the responses...love the washer trick, might give that a try before putting a hole in the firewall.