Roger(MI), Thats what works for me too. "AFTER" the Piston/Rod is inserted into the cylinder and the BIG Nut has been started in the Cylinder threads, a few raps, on the Piston End, with a BFH will keep the Nut from binding(easy to turn) I don't try to DRIVE the piston all the way in, only keep it ahead of the NUT.
JMHO