Issue with front coil spring install

[Putzer]

Anybody have an idea how to get these 1 inch drop springs in? Spring compressors don't work because they're too long and hit either the top of the cross member or the bottom control arm. I even tried the jack method but I can't get the top to come close to seating then it just binds. Something just isn't adding up, doesn't seem like it should be this hard. Lastly, is there supposed to be anything between the spring and the top mount on the cross member?