Wrong move! The spring bears against a plastic (actually Bakelite) insert that puts pressure on the distributor shaft to dampen out any wobble created by worn distributor housing bushings. There is enough clearance around the insert to allow grease to get past it and keep the shaft lubed. If you leave the spring and shaft stabilizer out there will be variations in point dwell and erratic ignition timing.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!