Front shocks making me mad

Hey guys. First post here. I got a 1973 Newport with original shocks. As predicted the rears were a breeze. The fronts however…

I’ve read and read and everyone says it’s just a matter of compressing and slipping it in. I’ve tried for hours and can’t get the KYB shocks in. They’re a pain to compress and I’ve zip tied it as much as I can. It still won’t go in.

what voodoo did you do to get it in in under 45 minutes as some have posted here.
Author: prd2bdf