I am swapping out my suspension for a higher ride height in winter. I usually don't even mess with the pinch bolt but the last time I put in all new suspension I used antiseize so it came right out. The shock came right out too but now I can't get the upper contol arm male ends into the pinch bolt area. I can't get them to line up right. I have everything back in except that. I have a feeling I might have to take some stuff out/ loosen to get it to work. What do I need to do to get the damn things back into their hole? It seems like there is too much pressure pushing against the 2 and I can't seem to get them close enough. Should I take the shock out install the pinch bolt then put the shock back in?

Also what should I remove to make the front shock replacement not such a PITA? Drop one of the lower control arms? Is that what you do? The last 2 times I did this I had help and it went faster. I basically used a bit more force last time b/c there were 2 of us. I can't do the same since its just me.I am a lone mechanic at this point.