I don't see a hole in your foward rod, are you sure it was a slapstick, my 74 was NOT & there was no spring, never checked to see if I have a hole in the foward rod, if you need i'll be out there messing with the cars tomorrow & I can get a pic of the 74 setup.
I did not know they exsisted (non slapsticks)till I took the 74 for it's first ride & slapped it from low to neutral!
Rich.