Michelle,
Although the springs and flat washer may take up some slack, the main purpose is anti-noise. If it is locking up in gear, you probably have mal-adjusted linkage or worn shifter parts on the column or a worn shifter box if it is in the 50's. The spring isn't critical as long as it isn't to difficult to compress with the washer to get the pin in. I have taken many linkages loose where someone used enough washers to take up the slack and used a small nail. To check adjustment, put the transmission levers in the neutral position and then the two levers from the column or box should be side by side. Then tighten the adjusting nuts and it shouldn't lock up unless there is excessive wear someplace.

Truck Tinker