reinstalling lower control arm

My son took the 2 bolts out of the lower control arm (lf-2wd) per the manual he had to put stock springs back on . I can not for the life of me seem to get the lower arm lined up to put the bolts back.
I've tried with the swaybar off, and with the sway bar attached.
Each time we start jacking the lower control arm up the the arm and spring start bowing out or forward.
I know I'm making this harder than it has to be, someone dispense a little of that forum wisdom on me.
Thanks, John