Leaf spring trouble

So I tried to put in a new set of leaf springs. The old ones had a leaf snapped in two places. After spending hours salvaging the old shackle on the rear, I went to put in the final Bolt in the front and came up a half inch short. I called it a day and very carefully drive the car out of the driveway to park it until I had time. Then, I noticed my axle had shifted back an inch and I suspect that was the reason the leaf didn't fit.
What should I do next? I'm a complete novice to auto work, but have access to almost anything I may need. I'm scared I did something horrible

 

So your leaf spring doesn't reach the front hanger?
Take a picture and post it in here. That way we can help you.

 

When working on leaf springs I find it good practice to loosen up everything, u-bolts mainly, on both sides. This allows you some room to move stuff around and into place if need be, using a floor jack under certain points of the axle, letting it droop or compress as necessary to line things up. Definitely don't remove the nuts (At least not on both sides... Otherwise your axle will just fall right off at the driveshaft splines) but just loosen them up a good bit.

FWIW I would have installed the front bolt first, then the shackle bolts second.

 

Bolt the leafs to frame first. You may need to use a ratchet strap to pull axle a little if needed