How to replace tilt (double-hung) sash into pivot shoes

I've determined what spiral balances I need, thanks to your site, and will be ordering these for at least three windows, along with your charging tool. However, is there now an easy way to get my darn sash back into my frame? The 15-046 pivot shoes lock in place, obviously, when I rotate the sockets to receive the pins, and the pins don't retract. I've been trying to position the pivot shoes offset just right so I can tilt the sash into place, but this isn't easy. Also, I guess I have three options on the pivots for receiving the spring balances. Do I start with the middle?

Thanks - I really appreciate your site!