I am putting together a '32 roadster and I have a CE front axle with the proper Posie and they went together just as easy as your front did. I know what you mean about the rear springs. In my '37 I install just the main leaf and then add the rest of the leaves using a long threaded bar, with nuts on each end, through the center bolt hole. Once they are compressed by turning the nuts I C-clamp (GOOD clamps) the leaves, remove the threaded bar and install the center bolt. Been doing it this way since the 60's.