Q on reinstalling leaf springs

[fredico]

Went to LMC for replacement front bushings and such for my 71 k5 blazer. Pulled the front springs, no problem. removed all old bushings and replaced all spring eye bushings. no problem. Went to put the springs back in and ugh can't seem to get them back into the front hanger. There's got to be a method that makes it happen. I can tell you that a mallet don't work. Got to thinking about it and does a tool to spread the the hanger sides exist? All I've got are hand tools underneath a tree. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. thanks.