I put new Gabriels on the front of the Dakota a couple months ago. I couldn't compress and hold them by hand long enough to start the lower bolts. After thinking about it, I got the small portable jack, stood a large 1/2" socket up on it, and jacked it into place. Would also work with the factory scissor jack but be a little more work.
Going out in the morning to put in new control arms and springs so I'll probably get to do it all over again.



Tim