Yeah you kind of need that tool to compress that plate so you can remove/install the snap ring. It can be done without depending on how strong your fingers are. I have done it but it's going to speed up the job immensely if you use one.
oh, I know what you are talking about now. Makes sense now. I have never used one, and I didnt even know there was a spring compression tool for that...lol I have pulled mine apart , even a completely rebuilt one several times and never used one to compress that spring to remove or install the plate. Would imagine that it is beneficial to have.
