A/C compressor install

Need some advice from someone who has been there. Recently pulled the A/C compressor off of my US spec 3.2 (Sanden 508 compressor) to fix a front shaft seal that was flinging oil in all directions. I'm curious if it easier (or even possible) to bolt the two brackets to the compressor and then push it up into place, or should I bolt the two brackets to the engine and then push the compressor up by itself and attach to secured brackets. Attaching all the bracketry first looks easier, but I wonder if there is enough clearance there to get the whole assembly in place. Thanks for any advice!