Super A steering

As I have been working at fixing my Super A steering problem, I have run in to a problem that I would like to get some ideas on. First of all, it looks like my steering problem was caused by a combination of three things; a bad upper bearing, a worn key that holds the gear on the shaft, and a badly worn ball joint. I am at the point of reassembly where I've put the gear with key, the bearing retaining plate, the bearing, and the snap ring on the shaft. My problem is in trying to get the bearing up into the bearing seat. I am assuming that the bearing is to be forced up into the seat by means of tightening the bearing retainer bolts, otherwise, if you try to put the bearing in first and then put in the shaft you can't install the snap ring not to mention probably damaging the new bearing by driving the shaft up into it.
Because you can't see the bearing with the gear and the bearing retaining plate in the way it is very difficult to get the bearing lined up on the seat. I have spent a lot of time on this with no success. What has been your experience, and what am I doing wrong? I would appreciate any suggestions, and I apologize for the long post.

When i renew those housings i have them off the tractor so i can get things together better.

I just went through my steering box a couple months ago. I had the bearing and everything else on the sector shaft and laid underneath so i could see the bearing engaging the housing. You should have a halogen blazing away into the housing. Then i just tapped on the end of the sector gear shaft. Mine was not a real tight fit,but it was tight enough to hold it in place so i could get the bolts through the retaining plate. It should not go in real hard,if it seems as if its not moving you have the bearing cocked and you need to start over.

It took me about 6 attempts,about 1/2 hour.

Thanks for your input. It sounds like I just have to keep at it. I will try the halogen light suggestion. (and try to keep my sanity)