Even though I said I can't see any other way, I see at least one other way:
1. Discs 2 and 3 go on 1 from the slotted end, with the flared edges of the discs facing out, opposite each other but inside the squared off loop on your spring
2. Part 5, turned over from how it is in your picture, slid onto part 1, the post, with the crossmember of part 5 in the slot
3. Part 1 with the discs on it goes into 4 with the arm of the spring from where the eyelet was removed floating in one of the spaces/gaps on part 4 between the housing and the base plate with the long finger, or that arm being cut short enough that it won't hit the housing
4. Part 7, the spring, with the crossmember in the slot of part 1, the post, on top of part 4
5. Part 6 onto part 1, the post, on top of part 7, the spring; I am assuming part 6 has edges on it that will allow the part 7, the spring, to fit into it, if not turn it over
6. Part 8, the thumb nut, screwed onto the post directly contacting part 6