Howdy, The easiest way is back off the springs completely. You still will have to compress the shock slightly, but they will fit. Jack the sled up so that the skis are off the floor. Take a piece of heavy sting and tie a loop on one end. Now run the string through the tabs(not the bolt holes) on the top mount and around the length of the shock and around the bottom mount. thread the non loop end through the looped end. Next compress the shock about an inch or so and tie it off. You can now easily bolt the shock on. When both bolts are on just cut the string to release the shock. Works slick, I have installed KYB's on a couple of cars I've owned and they come compressed with a string like that. otherwise you would never be able to compress them enough to get them on a car the way their setup. Or, you can just bolt the top bracket on and muscle the lower mount up enough to get the bolt in, but the other way is much easier. Still back off the spring. Hope this helps. Do not forget to readjust the spring and the camber cause it will be off. I went for a ride before I readjusted them and the skis turned hard and didn't handle very good. You will be riding on the outside of the ski. PM me if you need any questions. Soc