Help with Shock install

[Fisherob]

Hello everyone, This is my first post. I am installing rear shocks on my 2001 EZGO TXT. They are coil over shocks on a 6inch lift kit. To get them on I had to loosen the four bolts that hold the lift block so I could pull up the bottom shock plate that is above the leaf spring to attach the shock enough to tighten the bolt. I then tightened all four bolts on the shock plate which compressed the top shock rubber bushing to about the size of the washer where I think it should be. The issue is the bushing that is below the top mount does not compress. the issue is the same on the bottom mount plate. the bottom bushing compresses but the one on top of the bottom plate does not. Would this be because the rear axle is still up on jack stands? I was afraid to put the tires on an lower it in case I did something wrong. I'm thinking the shock needs to be under load. Am I correct?