Dude at the shop made it sound like compressing the spring is extremely hazardous, etc. etc.

I'm kind of stuck between a rock and hard place on this one. I'll do some work myself but I've never had to deal with suspension issues. My ignorance is costly; then again, if I f**k this job up, I'm out of my only vehicle (plus having to get it towed/fixed/spending tons of money for screwing it up).

Any of you live wise mechanics live in Western Mass and want to make a friend????????