extremely tight leaf spring bushing

So my OME leaf springs did not come with bushings. i am currently trying to get the bushings in, i got the rear (smaller) bushings in pretty easily. I can't seem to get the large bushings in. there is more rubber sticking out of the sleeve and i can't pound them. i've tried to use a 20 ton press, but i can't get the bushing to line up squarely with the hole in the leaf.... i was thinking of heating the leaf a little, but was told not to. i've greased everything and it's just to tight to do it by hand. how is it done from the factory?

Have you tried spreading the leaf end open a little? Use a small pry bar or heavy screwdriver at the 'split' where the leaf wraps back around onto itself. A little bit there goes a long way in getting the bushing in.

i got it in, found out my neighbor whose garage (complete w/ 3 lifts) i was working in had the perfect tool.

and what tool was this?