Hello Dan,
My '02 Scura was stuck in first or second. I could not get it in neutral. If you still have the ability to shift, any problem you have is NOT the shift pawl spring.
Having said that, there are internals inthe gearing on the sideplate that mandate a close inspection prior to reassembly. To me, this was not especially difficult, but do make sure everything "appears" to be in the correct.
There is an engagement dog on a small piece that rides next to the sideplate on the forward gear that must go in the squared notch on the gear selector prior to reassembly. This is gobble talk from someone that doesn't know the proper nomenclature, my apologies.
Good luck with your problem.