rear brake shoe and drums cannot get the w shaped spring on

The spring itself sets in a clip on the rear backing plate behind the axle flange. I remove it last and install it first. That way the shoes does not cause issues with it fitting easily. I normally install the trailing shoe first, then hook the spring to it. Next install the leading shoe. Now comes the issue of installing the spring. Lisle 50600 is the "special tool for it. I use a large pair of channel locks with a piece of aluminum strip to pull the spring into place.

This is a good video on it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRc7dF4haIE