Help w/ re-installing coil spring

[3strats]

Took apart front end to do bushings. Now re-installing coil spring to button everything back up. I thought by jacking up on the lower control arm with the coil in place, it would compress enough for me to attach the two pivot bolts for the control arm. All i ended up doing was jacking up the whole side of the truck as if it didn't compress enough. Got a spring compressor from parts house but it's to big or will not allow me to install spring with compressor on. Its the style that goes on the outside of coil. They had one that had this double j-hook with a plate that goes on top with a bolt that runs through the middle. Didn't know if that one would work or not.

I'm stuck!!! If anyone has any ideas or can tell what i'm doing wrong please let me know. Thanks in advance.

[TennesseeZ]

Sounds like you're goin at it backwards. Break the LCA loose at the ball joint, re-install it to the frame, put your jack as far out on the point where the ball joint is as you can and still be safe, install the spring making sure it's seated in the pockets, then jack the LCA up and guide the ball joint stud into the spindle.
You shouldn't need the spring compressor.

[3strats]

Just had a brain fart. I think i figured out how the "j-hook" compressor works. Welp! Off to parts house in the a.m.
Any tips would still be appreciated.
Thanks.

[425HP409]

Additional info.
1. Leave the spindle loose from the lower ball joint and put a 2x4 between the upper control arm and the frame to hold the spindle up and out of the way
2. Bolt the lower control arm to the frame
3. put a floor jack under the lower control arm coming in from the side of the truck with the saddle under the lower ball joint, but with the saddle not sticking out past the end of the control arm.
4. Install the spring into the frame spring pocket with the bottom of it sitting on the control arm as far into the spring pocket as you can
5. Jack up the control arm to apply a little pressure on the spring, being careful that it doesn't pop out and hit you, then take a large hammer, sledge preferred, and strike the spring and it will pop into the spring seat of the lower control arm.
6. Swing the floor jack to the front of the truck and jack the control arm up to a position so that you can take the 2x4 out from under the upper control arm and lower the spindle onto the lower ball joint.
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[custom97]

It's gonna take some persuasion, but you'll get it in like everyone here is saying. I tried the spring compressor way and believe me it didn't work for me. Just take your time and be safe. . . . .

[3strats]

Sorry guys. I didn't get to read the replys till now. So i got the correct compressor first thing this morn. It actually worked the first time around. The second side sucked because it kept slipping and not tightening up. Finally got it to hold and put into spring pocket. Jacked up lca and "POP!" Glad I didn't have any digits in the way. Those things make me very uneasy to say the least. Yes I figured bolting up lca first to frame and swinging it up was the better way. Made alot more sense after i finagled around with it. Trial and error. Gonna button the rest of it up tomorrow morn; ran out of time and started to rain. Thanks again for the replys.