@Zeke posted:Oof, it's been a while since I've done this, but let me see if I can describe my method.
Take the rivet and start it through the top prong of the coupler.
Take the spring, get it oriented correctly, and place it on the rivet. Push the rivet all the way in through to to the bottom prong.
Move the spring all the way to the top prong.
Take the knuckle, get it oriented, and use it to start pushing in the bent part of the spring and get it gently touching the rivet.
Here's the secret (at least for me) - start to slowly pull the rivet out just enough to allow the knuckle to move in to position. In other words, there should be just enough of the rivet sticking through the top prong to hold the spring. You may have to wiggle the knuckle a little. When I did it, it almost felt like the knuckle snapped into place. Push the rivet all the way in.
Hold everything together until you can get it turned upside down and peen the rivet.
I really hope that makes sense. It was frustrating for me too at first.
That's exactly the technique that I use, couldn't have said it better myself! 
Once you've done it a few times, it's actually not that difficult. I typically use the Brakeman's Riveter for setting the rivet as it's quicker than configuring the press for one lousy coupler!
