Anyone know a good method/trick to hold back the fork while installing/removing clutch slave cylinder?(not necesarily generation specific but i have a 2nd gen and it is VERY close to the firewall!)

 

Why do you need to hold it back? If the rod of the slave is partially extended and you can't get it to bolt up just crack the bleed screw. It will release the pressure from the slave and allow the actuator rod to retract. Bolt up the slave, close the bleed screw, wipe up the spilled fluid.

 

in the words of great literary mind,homer...."D'oh!!"
i guess the old one was stuck partway open,but the new one retracts an inch farther! yea! thanx for the help!