Front spring help, ASAP!

[Chris_H]

Ok guys, here is the story. I have some 4cyl springs that I am trying to install in the front. We were not too sure how to do it, but figured it couldn't be too hard. We got the spring off without a srping compressor, and got lucky with that, definately won't do it again. The problem is, we couldn't figure out how to get the spring back in because the compressors seem to have too long of bolts. Are the compressors supposed to be on the outside of the spring, or up through the control arm on the inside of the spring? We have the car on a lift, but since we were prying on the spring the car almost came off the lift on one side so we quit. we have the strut bolted up on that side, but the spring still needs to move towards the engine side about 2" to be seated. Any ideas on how to do that?? Also, what would make the passenger side go A LOT smoother and easier?? I really need to do this in the morning because its at a friends house and I don't want to leave it on his lift all weekend. Thanks for any help in advance!

Chris