A fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly for insertion into an outer housing of a fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule that forms an optical communication connection with another fiber optic device. A back housing includes a back post to be attached to a fiber optic cable. A spring is operatively disposed between the ferrule assembly and the back housing. A linkage connects the ferrule assembly to the back housing such that the spring is compressed and biases the ferrule away from the back housing prior to insertion of the fiber optic ferrule sub-assembly into the outer housing.