Do all of the swing arm assembly on your workbench. This includes installing the new sealed bearings, axle. brake shoes, brake drum, etc. Also connect the spring to the suspension spring axle. Then attach the fork to the assembled swing arm. Now slide up and attach the top of the spring to the upper bracket on the fork. Lastly, attach the new damper to the upper bracket which was welded to the fork. Leave the bottom of the damper unattached at this time.
Feed down through the fork the new speedo cable and attach it to the swing arm. Attach the front wheel. The fork can now be in-inserted back into the body and affixed with the upper nut. Make sure all the fork bearings are well lubricated and seat properly.
With the new fork and handle bar installed, remove the bike from the lift and have someone sit on it. They should apply the front brake and push the bike forward with hands on the handle grips. The front end will push down by this action. Another person at the front of the bike can then make sure the pins on the damper are aligned with the notches in the new swing arm. When they are aligned, then the damper can be attached to the swing arm and tightened down. I found this method to be much easier than trying to connect the bottom of the damper while the swing arm is on the bench. Some tension is put on the spring before the pins align and using the weight of the bike and downward pressure makes it rather easy.
When all is done, the front tire should be in perfect alignment with the bike.