See your back in the groove, we've all had the blow it to hell moments. Just gotta stand back and take a breather. Like master said earlier definately NO on the spring. I'm refabbing my rear carrier to eliminate my idler sprocket. I had mine mounted to a pivoting arm with 2 strong springs. Well not strong enough appearently. I kept breaking springs, it made a ton of noise and ended up getting caught up with the chain when the chain broke, made a nice little mess. Now my carriers going to be the part that moves to take up the slack. Good luck man, have some fun.