My 2 cents --- I had the same problem , brake pedal way to high .. Ended up backing my front brake shoes off just a little allowing the pedal more free play before shoe contact on drums .. Then adjusted my brake light / pedal stop forward to allow shoe release from drum so brakes were'nt...
I'm pretty sure that is the spring to hold your jack down in the trunk .. There is no spring on the brake pedal .. That is pushed back by the master cylinder ..
Dash is in need of repair but gauges all bench tested and appear to be in working order .. fuel gauge has been modified internally to accommodate external ivr . 125$ plus ride .. from 53588