The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The fiber optic connector includes a connector body and ferrule assembly mounted in the connector body. A spring is positioned within the connector body for biasing the ferrule assembly in a forward direction. The spring has a first spring length when the ferrule assembly is in a forwardmost position. A rear housing of the connector body includes a front extension that fits inside a rear end of the spring, the front extension having a front extension length. The fiber optic connector defines a gap between the front extension and a ferrule hub of the ferrule assembly, the gap having a first dimension measured between the front extension and the ferrule hub when the ferrule assembly is in the forwardmost position, the front extension length being longer than the first dimension.