When the spring plate comes apart, there is very little evidense of it in the pan. The springs all wad up like a high intensity brillo pad and do a little machining of the drum but most of it is contained in the clutch pack itself.

Doesn't really matter what and speculation is fun but rather useless. Your parts order only can be made after disassembly and inspection.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician