It's a 1000 times less frustrating if you tie the headlamp back out of the way, put the top yoke in place, then away from the bike slide the legs into the bottom yoke nip up the clamp hex keys until they only just hold the legs, lube the upper section then assemble the o-rings, ears (why are they called ears?) & top o-rings. Then after putting the bottom stem nut & lockwasher somewhere you an easily reach them (pocket maybe) bring the forks into position and once the stem is through the bottom yoke get the washer & nut on a few turns. Everything is then in place, and you can adjust and tighten as necessary.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
cliffa.