You would have to slowly drop it down to place weight back on the strut and try to get the strut shaft back into the hole and then run it down enough to secure it then begin the process again. this time removing the correct fasteners. Hope you did not get hurt.
Did you install the old spring and top bearing plate on the new strut,just as you had when you removed it? Hopefully you removed the entire assy. You needed to use a strut compressor or spring compressors, if you like to live dangerously,to remove the old strut from the spring.
This model doesn't have shocks. It damps bouncing with McPherson struts. The front struts can have a new cartridge installed while in place, but it's an involved process. The rear struts have to be removed to replace the struts -- a more involved process that requires some special tools. The struts last a lot longer than shock absorbers, but are not nearly as easy to change when the time comes.
You "do not" need a strut spring compressor to change the struts on a 1998 ford escort.
Place the front of the car on jack stands, and remove the front tires.
Disconnect and remove the 2 bolts (at the bottom of the strut) that attach the strut to the knuckle (you may need air impact to break them free).
Remove the brake lines from the line retainer on the strut: If you open the brake lines you will need brake fluid, and need to bleed the brake system (to avoid opening the brake system, cut the line retainer from the old strut).
Inside the hood remove the circular cap that covers the top retaining nut on the strut. Remove the top retaining nut, then remove the strut.
Install new struts in reverse. To align the new strut to the knuckle, use a screwdriver to start the aligment, then insert the retaining bolts. If you cut the brake line retainers from the old struts, use plastic zip ties to attach the brake lines to the new struts.
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