I don't see why I would need to remove the spring, besides, how can you use an internal compressor if the shock is inplace?
For the front shocks, I had to lower the subframe to get clearance to pull the top of the shock out and up.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member