REPAIR DETAILS

I bought new Monroe struts with the intention to install them myself. I have had some not so good experiences with mechanic shops, and I do my own work whenever possible. I believed this was a job I could handle. I successfully pulled the old strut on the driver's side without great difficulty; however, I am unable to install the new one -- there is too much tension to lower the control arm. The size of the new struts is exactly the same as the old ones; I am confident that these are the right struts for the vehicle. I have gotten different suggestions on workarounds, e.g., disconnecting the UCA, disconnecting the sway bar links, etc., but I was not expecting any need to do that and I am not that comfortable doing so. Nothing has been done to the passenger side strut. Towing to a shop does not seem like a good option, as I think this could result in damage to other suspension components. Thanks.