[19Fordy]

Philip: You sure are getting lots of input. That's good. As has been said before, best bet is to lower the entire rear end with the spring out of the car. Then try reinstalling the spring. Then raise the entire rear end assembly (with spring attached) back up into the cross member and bolt it in place. Please keep us posted.
As was mentioned, are you sure you are using the correct size shackles?
What is the center to center distance between the shackle pins?
I can't measure mine, but perhaps someone else can.
Are station wagons and cars the same?
Wish you could borrow my bullet proof spring spreader.
Hang in there.