The lever kept falling onto the carpet. I determined that the plate that covers the hole was not installed properly. the tabs were not in their slots. With some help to pull the seat cushion toward the center I was able to get the cover plate snapped in and while having my helper hold that. I put the two little screws in. A little bit of wiggling and I was able to put the lever on the spline. It works perfect now, I will just have to keep pushing the lever on if it loosens.
Thanks for your reply. Bob