a friend and i were able to take the rear shocks off and place the springs onto some newer ones, but when we went to put them back on the car we were unable to. hoping someone could help me out on this.

 

What are you having issues with? When I replaced my shocks a couple of weeks ago we had to pry down the control arm (not sure on terminology) to create enough clearance to get the shock back into place. Pictures and more descriptions would be helpful.

 

Shocks are harder to take off at the rear than in the front. I'm not sure, but you have to unbolt those control arms and end links at the rear to have an easy shock removal. It's more work, but it will be easy as said. Good luck.