[rotorwrench]

I've never has a problem with one either. I was wondering if you have the transmission oriented in a direction where gravity is working against you. The spring is there to aid the shift rail to move forward more easily. It will usually stay in place on the rail when the rail assembly is installed (tail housing installation).

The older units had the rail switch on either the back of the rail bore in the tail case or just above it. The ones with the switch on the back could be aided for spring alignment but those with the ball bearing above the rail to actuate the switch and those with no switch at all have no assembly aid there. All of them do have the spring though. It usually just stays on the rail when you assemble it all.