the screw to the little clicker on the SPOOL got corroded and broke off. so the little clicker thing the screw was holding came off as well. this wont mess up the drag or anything ...right?? i just want to make sure.

this is the 30yr+ old one

i figure the only change will be just no ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ noise when your loosing line.

That's the only difference... but you won't be able to tell when the fish is taking line or if you are cranking against the drag if you are not looking at the spool.

First thing I do when I get a new 704 or 706 spool is take that spring off. You'll still know when a fish is running drag by the sound of the spool turning and line going thru the guides---but the guy fishing 50' to the right won't hear it ;)

Especially if you fish a lot of quiet water at night---get rid of that spring. You'd be surprised how far the sound of that clicker carries :D

I do what Mike P does.;)