Help! Adding spacer to my bilstein 5100

So I'm adding a 3/8 spacer to my struts and I did the easy install method and for some reason when I jack up the LCA to compress the strut, the tip doesn't make it all the way through enough for the bushing and the washer at the top to be screwed on and the lower bushing isn't being compressed all the way down either, what options do I have?

 

If you dont have the extended strut bolts (there are 3 on the top hat) then you can ONLY use a 1/4" spacer.

 

Sorry I was super busy all day but what I was talking about was the struts threaded end isn't going through the mount enough to where I can put the bushing, washer and nut on.

 

Compress the coil more

 

I am using the no strut compressor method and when I'm compressing the spring after awhile I start lifting the truck and the threaded part of the strut is only going up so far and I have brand new bushings I'm putting in too and I'm thinking the bushing isn't being compressed as much

 

Youll need a spring compressor bud, you cant rent them.

 

So now I'm guessing this method does not work with 1st gens very well or my strut is caught on the mount somewhere?

 

The weight of truck alone isn't enough to compress your spring. Like mlcc said . . . you need a spring compressor.

 

This is probably a stupid question but do I need a lower bushing below the strut mount?

 

There should be bushings on both sides

 

@757yotas @mlcc @tahco_02
Thanks guys for your help I got too busy to reply back but I'm finally back on, I got my struts and coils back in and it lifted it little bit more and it's almost level but the jack method did end up working on both sides you would have to unhook the sway bar, outer tie rods, Lower ball joints and then loosen the lower control arm nuts, use jack to compress the coil and it is cake after that screwing the nut in.