Detroit locker

Thanks folks. Do the springs create a lot of force on the case? I don't want to get injured, nor do I want parts to scatter.
No. Just be ready for it when you Loosen the bolts and you'll be fine. How big a hurry you in? I rebuild the occasional sure grip for members here. I would be glad to disassemble it for you, inspect it, clean it up and send it back reasonably. You can see the springs in the diagram. You can compress them with your hands. They're not very strong. All they are for is to give the lock plates in the assembly just enough bias to lock after unlocking.