Tom, just so happens I dealt with this just yesterday. However I was removing the spring and the frame to ship to Gernold for restoration.
It's best if you have a buddy! Hold the frame together in a vertical position. Anchor the spring to the frame first. Using a vise grip tool clamp down on the spring an inch or so behind second anchoing point. Have your buddy slighty tilt the frame back not much and using the palm of your hand push the on the vise grips until you reach the securing point. Remember that the spring will go under and not over the bottom securing point.
1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.