Thanks guys, seems like a pretty easy fix then. j-mech says it can move enough to get the spring out which is what I was hoping. Obviously it would be easier with it out, but it can't be easier to pull the rear just to make it easy to replace. I'll take my chances on bruised and cut knuckles working in a tight spot to slide that plate enough to replace the spring. I just don't want to have to remove the rear again and risk anything with the frame mounting bolts by taking them out and putting them back in. The rear hasn't oozed a drop of fluid and I don't want to risk causing something there.
