Jim, i know what you mean! I believe there is a thread on the LC Smith Collectors Sight showing the proper steps. The toplever spring is very strong and is preventing you from getting toplever shaft to line up with hole in trigger plate. You can get the two trigger plate screws lightly started, then take a small punch or steel rod that fits the shaft hole,then cut a notch in center or flat head screwdriver blade and use it to push the shaft over to proper position. Hope this helps. Bobby