Throw-out bearing spring

[Tom Endy]

Has anyone had actual experience replacing the spring that attaches to the front of the transmission and the hub the throw-out bearing is mounted on while the transmission is installed in the car. I have replace countless numbers while the transmission is sitting on a work bench, but never while in the car.

What I would like to know from someone who has actually replaced the spring through the inspection hatch in the bell housing, how they did it, any special technique, ways to prevent dropping it in the bell housing/clutch (tie a string on it?), and anything else they can add.

Tom Endy