[IndyA]

Well, here's a fresh idea ..... you first have to disconnect all the linkage (so pull the drum!) Take two small pulleys which will swivel on their eye and connect one end of a rope to the rear fender support brace; put the first pulley on the running board support brace and a second pulley with a loop (use a material that you can later cut with a knife) on the the spring-end - run the road thru the running board pulley, then the pulley at the wheel; get a friend to pull the rope (toward the front of the car) while you lay underneath the wheel with a notched screw driver to guide the spring into its seat.

This method uses the mechanical advantage gained by using two pulleys --- worked for me after spending hours using other methods.

Good Luck...