Shifter springs re-install, is there an easy way ? Options

[pgollender]

I decided to replace the ball socket on my 1970 shifter . I didn't realize the plate springs were under so much tension. I haven't found a way to put them back.
Any body have an idea ?

[pgollender]

Thanks everyone:
With the advice given, I found it very easy to install the springs. I documented it for future World DIYer's.
A couple words first: When you install the shift guide spring and guide rings...
(that is the spring that goes into the shifter housing to put tension on the shifter ball) the small conical side goes up into the housing with the smaller diameter guide on top and the larger diameter ring on the bottom. I had it reversed at first with little to no tension. That would have effectively or problematically locked me out of reverse.
Also when putting in the retaining pins, the C-clips are slightly problematic because they run into the housing when you are threading the pin. Sometimes you can twist the C-clip just enough to barely clear the shifter housing when pushing them in, otherwise just take them off and install them at the end.
Tools needed:
Safety glasses, gloves,vise, small flat block of wood, dummy pin ( nail punch, nail, allen wrench, stiff 1" putty knife:


Here is the project 1/2 way done so you can see what was done and what has to be done:

First you thread the retainer pin in:


Make sure your vise doesn't block the exit hole:


Then thread the spring:



Put your block on top of the spring and jam the putty knife about three turns from the end:


Jam away and put pressure on top of the spring while pushing the knife-spring combination into the housing: You must get the hole of the spring to co-incide with the hole in the housing to pass your dummy pin through the open side:



Remove putty knife slowly keeping some pressure on the block, then thread the dummy pin in the open side. It will look a little wobbly like this:


Keeping a little pressure on the block, slowly push the stock retaining pin all the way through. Obviously the spring must not be blocking the exit hole:


Don't forget the four C=clips:


Viola!! Ready for Shifter rod docking: