side rail torsion spring installation problem

I have a 1990 Yamaha enticer 400. the bolt holding the side rail torsion spring has come out. I have purchased a new bolt but this not a simple matter of turning the new bolt in. The holes don't line up. they are off just enough to make it impossible to slide in the bolt. There is too much tension somewhere and I don't know how to relieve the tension so that I can reassemble.

Anyone know how to manipulate the tension so that I can reassemble?

side rail torsion spring installation problem