lets talk springs

[slip knot]

My 1963 Ford 2000 tractor hydraulic lift has been giving me problems for years. It finally quit working altogether last summer. With mowing season around the corner it was time to get it fixed. I tore it down this weekend and found a couple small issues to include one broken compression spring.

I couldn't get the adjustments right and finally tracked down a broken "drawbar control spring" This afternoon I ran by the CNH dealer to get one ordered. $67 for one spring

I need the tractor so I ordered one. I was always of the opinion to replace springs with OEM if possible. But I got to wondering if I couldn't order a spring from Mcmaster by ordering the same ID, OD, overall length and wire diameter. Would that get me close enough for an old tractor. I cant see them putting a proprietary spring in there but it is Ford.

Would y'all order the $67 OE part or take a chance on a Mcmaster 6 for $20 spring?