Chainging bushings on Trek Fuel EX8

I’m doing this on a mates bike. The lower shock mount assembly was really tight in the swingarm to the extent that I had to remove the bolt on the mount and slowly cycle the swingarm to get it to budge and then managed to get it free. Removed shock, replaced bushings and hats now I obviously can’t get the sodding thing back in. It’s so tight a fit that I can’t even put it in at a slant and then wiggle it in from there.

Anyone got any top tips before it goes off to the shop to be sorted.

You have to loosen the swingarm pivot bolt bolt as well, in my case I also had to drop the chain rings out of the way also to allow access to the bolt.

Thought as much but don’t have a big enough allen key. Will take another look tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip.