I think you have to use, what they call "plastic bearing" the material is made out of hard plastic. You are correct, there is no retaining spring. I think its easier, also to install the slave cylinder on the bellhousing / tranny prior installing the tranny in place. Make sure the slave cylinder positioned so the leak valve is pointing down. Its good idea change rear tranny seals... After I finished installing my tranny, I found out there is #@&%!^ leak somewhere (top seal, I think)