Thanks for the feedback. Here's why I'm leaning toward putting the washer where I show it in the second picture:
That end of the bearing is smaller than the spring by quite a bit. And, if it wears enough, it might start to eat the seal/shield on the bearing. I'm half tempted to put a washer ahead of the teaser spring, but I can't get the teaser spring to grab on the edges of the slots, so maybe it isn't necessary.
Still open for comments. I won't be putting it together for a about a week, so I have time on my side.
And by the way, the shaft was very easy to make. Thanks to Matt G. and others for suggesting it.
Jim