[Healeys] Front coil spring question

[Bert Van Brande]

Finishing up front-suspension rebuild on a BN2. (frame-up resto).  Compressing the coil springs using the 2 threaded rods I used when dismantling 4 years ago!  Passenger side coil went on fine.  I took out the 2" piece belwo the shock A-arm I to line up parts before tightening.  The rear of the spring pan just cleared the frame rail and this worked fine.  The small rubber buffer is heavily compressed.

On the driver side the rear of the spring pan hits the frame rail (about 1/8"). Trying to work it forward I started to bend one of the threaded rods, so I backed off.  If I would use a 1.5" to 2" distance piece here under the shock A-arm, the lower a-arms angle would allow the spring pan to clear the frame rail but I am sure I will only get the piece back out when the car will be on it's wheels with some load.  This will be in about a month.  Compressing the springs roughly the extra 1.5" will not be easy also.  I also will definitely switch to hardened steel rods.

Did anyone else have the rear of the spring plate hit the frame?  Should I just wait till the car is on it's wheels and at normal ride height or put a wood block between the shock plate and A-arm now and finish this job? 

I realize using spring compressors this would not be an issue.  All advice on which model of spring compressors that can be used on a Healey is welcome too.

cheers,

Bert