Modeling Gaps in GTSTRUDL

[battagf]

I am trying to model the gap between a clevis pin and the clevis to simulate the behavior when the clevis is subjected to moments out of the plane of the clevis pin.
I tried using non-linear spring elements, but am getting unexpected results and large deflections when I increase the size of the gap.
Also, the non-linear spring will not seem to allow me to use a flat segment on the spring curve, so I have to actually use a weak spring in this segment.
Does anyone have experience or sample code that shows how to do this. I can share my current code to show my dilemma.

Thanks