Magazine spring and side plate are on their way -- Thank you rcathey very much for that.
Since there was some question about whether or not the side plate on my Krag(98) was possibly from a 96, I figured I'd post some pictures. Unless the only difference between a 96 and a 98 are internal contours, I'm guessing at this point I have a 98 -- it fits like a snug glove. But I have nothing to compare it too, so it could be the problem.
As long as I had it apart I figured I'd post some pictures. If you see something you want a closer look at, let me know.