[big gear head]

Do not remove the springs. If you do you are in for a lot of work trying to get them back in.

I recommend replacing the bronze washers with new steel washers. You can install them without removing the differential. The easiest way to get them back in is to go in through the small hole on the opposite side of the differential. The preload springs and plates are not in the way on the back side. It's not easy to get them in, but it certainly can be done. It's been done hundreds of times.