linkage spring
 

does anyone know of a better tool to use to install the springs under the shifter, tried the screwdriver method

Here was my method-
(1)Place a punch or similiar rod through the hole in the shifter housing about an inch or so at a 60 degree angle to the housing
(2) Place one end of the spring on the end of that rod
(3) On the other side of the housing I inserted the shaft the spring rides on about an inch also at a 60 degree angle to the housing
(4) Bend the other end of the spring and place on the end of the shaft
(5) Now try to straighten the rods - as this happens the spring will begin to compress and slide down both rods - once you get the spring compressed - ease the screwdriver out while sliding the shaft behind it until it exits the shifter housing
(6) attach the clip and repeat

It was pretty easy once I figured out how to do it.

HTH,
ShawnO
1975 2.0l

I got a large screw driver and ground notches on both sides of the tip so it would fit about an inch into the spring. Then inset the pin in one side and start the spring and use the screw driver to compress the spring. There is actually a factory tool like that, but Harbor Freight's very large screw driver is only about $3! Good luck.