Originally Posted by jcb3

My experience (not with a LJ but lesser models, but I expect the result will be the same) is if you loosely assemble the pivot bolt (front) , spring, mounting plate (thing with the tab), and attachment bolt (rear) on the frame and in the correct position for the mounting plate, then rotate the pivot bolt (front side) with an allen wrench to apply proper pivot spring tension (I believe you are correct counterclockwise) then, while holding the tension, tighten the attachment bolt (rear), it should all hold together just fine.

Saw this trick somewhere on BF

(edit - looks like the slj spring mounts into the body instead of the pivot bolt, but the basic concept should still work)