2000 GT Front Strut/Spring Replacement

I removed the old strut assembly, with a lot of patience and tight squeezes. Old assembly had a cracked spring, and the 2 spring pieces were pushed over eachother. Car has about 97,000 miles, Chicago area, so I'm sure the road salt had something to do with it. I cannot get the new strut assembly into place. I purchased the complete Monroe assembly figuring I didn't need any adjusting/special tools. Is it still necessary to use a spring compresser in order to get the strut to the right length to connect the upper mount and the strut to steering knuckle bolts? Any help or tips are very appreciated. I'm trying to avoid having a special tow with a dolley to the Stealership. Thanks.

I replaced my strut assemblies on my 02 GT with the Monroes. I'm not a mechanic but was able to do it without any special tools or tricks. Just be patient and keep trying.

Update -

I tried a strut/spring compressor, and still nothing so I had it towed to the dealership. They charged about $400 total for the labor of installing the one and removing/installing the 2nd front and an alignment. I must say, car feels totally different with the Monroes; feels like they cut out a thousand pounds of weight from my engine compartment. I probably would've opted to spend the extra $100 per strut and go with the OEM GM parts, they're a lot stiffer and rigid feeling (with the GT, sport suspension). Have had my car for 8 years and still love the GM feel/ride to it, am trying to keep it as long as I can.