replaced the wheel cylinders. trying to put the springs back on for each shoe. Not easy. Anyone got a trick to do this? Is it a 2 person deal?

I put the springs in the shoes with the shoes laying on the ground then fold the shoes up like a book.  Hold them up to the backing plate and open the book to get the shoes placed correctly.  Then insert the pins and retainers.  You need to be dexterous with one hand, holding the shoes in place with one while you try to get the pins and retainers inserted with the other, or use your knee to keep the shoes in place once you get them up there.  If I was going to do it again I might use a bungee cord to hold the shoes in place while I put the pins and retainers in.

One way to do it.