just replaced the shifter bushing on my 98 legacy outback. put everything back together and i didn't notice how that spring went back in there. on one end the hook of the spring is longer. does that matter what side it goes back on?

 

on the loop hole that is connected to the stay rod, does the spring hook go through the inside or outside of the hole?

 

does any of this even matter?

 

i got the spring back in there (pain in the rump roast) but wanted to make sure that the spring didn't need to specifically be put in a certain way. it's obvious how it goes onto the plate because there is a groove but i can't tell for the other side, its kinda tight in there.

 

thanks guys!

It won't matter as long is it doesn't interfere with anything. It's hard to explain, but I usually loop the spring through the inside of the shifter, and on the outside of the stay arm bracket. That explanation makes sense in my head...seriously...

It doesn't matter too much. I don't recall one end being "longer" on mine but if it looks like it will get in the way of something flip it around.

The easiest way I found to set the spring.

It's much easier to pull the spring open when you have something to pull it with. The washer gives you leverage. Hold the washer in your palm in the correct orientation for installation. Hook the spring onto it, hold the spring with your index finger and thumb, reach up and hook the other end on the shifter rod.

Pull back on the washer, slide it onto the stud, then bolt it down. Did.