Questions on replacing A&E Torsion Kit

[Kountry87Air]

I have a 1989 A&E 8000 series 20' awning on our unit. The awning has weak spring tension and needs manual "help" in rolling up. The unit also has what I term "slack" when extended..the lock does work but alloows the tube to roll a bit which results in the middle awning brace pin to create an ever larger hole in the roller tube. I hope this is explained well enough for help?
Anyway..I have a replacement Torison Kit. The kit seems to be a rod/spring and end cap arangement. The replacement kit has the tension maintained with a cotter pin through the endcap.
I've downloaded directions for replacing the kit but still have questions. Can anyone help?
My questions are when do I place cotter pin in the old awning..while it is rolled up against the unit or when extended?
After the cotter pin is inserted in the old unit..and I unbolt from the external arms...will there be tension on the unbolted end or does the cotter pin handle the tension and it is safe? (lots of safety warnings in the directions but these questions remain)
Do I insert the new torsion kit into place with the awning extended or retracted?
Help is much appreciated!

[JimM68]

Do it all with the awning retracted. No tension until you pull the pin.
Not sure how you relieve the tension on the old one though?