Power door lock actuator and door won't open

[tucsonjwt]

My 83 C20 driver's side door would not open from the inside. I removed the door panel and found that the lock rod had dislodged from the top of the actuator. I looked at the passenger side door and the lock rod just fits inside the hole in the top of the actuator with no visible means of mechanical attachment, like a speed nut or other clip. Is that the way the lock rod is supposed to be - just slid into the top of the actuator with no attachment?

Also, I found a spring at the bottom of the door. Where would this go on the door? It looks like something to do with the exterior door handle thumb button.

Thanks