I don't know what method you used, but what made it easier for me is...1, I pulled the strut pinch bolt then slid the knuckle up the strut that small amount, and 2, I loosened that top nut in the engine bay for the struts (as well as pulled the outer tie rod out of the knuckle) and that allowed me to swing the strut + knucke, then I was able to set ther LBJ into the knuckle at an angle, and pushed the knuckle towards car, and it slid into place.
