How do we get the dam spring that goes around the rubber that attaches to the top portion of the airbox on again? It's a bitch to get it on or off. My problem is putting it on at the present time. The dam spring does not have any elasticity/stretch in it.

Or is okay not to have it on. It seem that the boot would stay in place.
Please Help

 

try pulling it from the ends lightly with pliers