2010 TroyBilt Bronco 13wx78ks011 Drive pedal issue and Variable pulley pops out of socket

my 2010 Troy Bilt Bronco 13wx78ks011 , where my foot pedal has fallen forward with no tension and looks like my rear variable speed pulley next to trans pulley, keeps popping out of it's socket. i put the belts back on and I bought a #38 spring (for I'm guessing to put tension on the foot pedal) but don't know exactly where to hook BOTH ends of this spring. I do not know how to keep the variable pulley in it's socket as I don't see a bolt to tighten and guessing it wouldn't spin if screwed down. The brake assembly has a #38 spring hooked on it and connected to the chassis on the right side of mower. ( side when seated and with cutting deck controls). To the right of that brake assembly I have the the "drive foot pedal" assembly to move the mower/ There is a shiney part with jagged teeth and a round opening at the back corner I'm guessing to hook my new #38 spring like the Brake assembly has. Please correct me if that's wrong. I do not know where the other end of #38 spring attaches and also wondering if it attaches to one of the pulleys to change the tension on the belts to make the mower move. Thanks