Steering coupler..how do I get the thing back together ?

I always have a hard time getting the coupler to slip onto the steering box shaft. People always seem to jump in these threads to say that they have no problems. I make sure to have the master splines aligned. The thin steel retainer gets bent too. Maybe next time I'll tap the coupler on with the retainer left loose, maybe use a pickle fork....then slide the retainer in place afterward.
I heated the coupler with a radiant heater and it slipped right on.
Thanks.