Evinrude Power PIlot Remote control -- reinstalling spring/ball detent

[Dabbler_E]

Disassembled my remote control last night to check wiring, and a spring & ball detente mechanism popped out -- the ball engages the shift/throttle plate. They're easy to put back in place, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to keep them in place and out of the way in order to reinstall the shift/throttle lever mechanism.

Surely someone has a clever trick? Thanks!