Need help with installing tailgate tension bar

I recently removed my tailgate on a 94 blazer s10
At the bottom of the tailgate is a tension bar, that is twisted to help hold the tailgate up.

My problem is, How the hell do you put the bastard back in, I cant bend the bar as i install it, too much tension is required, I'm curious how they installed it in the first place.

Does anyone know how I would get this bar back on?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g313/blazers10/Picture002.jpg

I did that to my 91 before. I think u had set it in place and close the tail gate about 3/4 and i thought i was able to get the bolt in from under the car, Between the rear bumber and the body, the lil gap there.