I'm not sure I understand but..... I think you have the outside door handle "anti-droop" spring installed and the part you found in the door is the spring for the inside door handle control arm or the inside actual door handle.
Two different animals. And there is no telling how long that spring may have been in the bottom of the door... in other words that same spring may have been replaced a few times over the years?
.... maybe I'm making sense, maybe not. I'm tired!!
Last edited by Achipmunk; 12/13/2013 4:14 AM.