Issue with re-assembly

[Jackal]

Just bought a stainless steel guide rod and new spring. Am having a heck of a time reassembling it. It appears that the guide rod is not lining up and slipping completely into place as I compress the spring and attempt to set the rod on the recoil lug.
Any ideas or tricks?

[ripley16]

Is it the correct length, as compared to the old one?

[CJB]

Spring on the correct way?