Shock Installation trick

[Edward Hamilton <hamilton@ptd.net>]

There must be a trick to it.  I've spent three hours trying to get the
top bolt in the rear shock of a '80 Spit.  As you may know, the shaft
(bolt) is an extremely tight fit with the rubber bushing of the shock.
When squeezed into the bracket, there is no way that I can get this bolt
to pass through the assembly.
Would someone please provide me with the tip or trick -- I'm about ready
to have a few .000 taken off the bolts.

Thanks in advance,
Ed Hamilton