You could do a visual check to see if those garter springs are deformed. If you are really worried, you could call the dealer and see if they sell those garter springs. If you get new springs, make a little hook out of a wire to pull the old springs out,than put the new ones in.
Otherwise just push the new filter in there until it clicks, put the safety clip on, and turn the ignition to "RUN" and OFF a few times to build up fuel pressure (you don't need to start it), than check for leaks.
__________________
Current:
2007 Dodge Sprinter
2003 Toyota Sequoia
1994 E150 4X4
1955 F250
Gone but not forgotten:
2006 Toyota Tacoma Quadcab 4X4
1999 F250 4x4 Super Duty 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
1998 BMW M3
1990 Mustang 5.0 GT
1986 Toyota 4Runner
1981 Toyota truck 4X4
Gone and forgotten:
1993 VWagen Fox
1986 Mazda 626 GT Turbo
1983 Chevy K1500 4X4 
1982 Honda Accord
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