I don't use the post spring for my post98 but I do know that I had to pull the intake gear to get some slack after the tensioner was loose and push it back when the belt was tightened.

Crank the belt a few times by hand to see what the belt does when it turns the gears.

I took my belt off over a dozen times and found that putting it on the intake gear first was the easiest way.

Also don't put it fully on one gear and try to get the other side on. It won't work. Slip on about 1/4 inch then try the otherside.

1992 Ford Escort LX-E -Tracer LTS spoiler -GT Grille