Please help, w126 spring compressor jammed inside the front spring :(
 

I was trying to remove the front spring on my car to change the guide rod mounts, which I have done a couple times in the past with no problems (using an ebay clone mercedes spring compressor). But, this time the lower spring plate slipped and is jammed halfway between one coil and another. I tried everything I can think of to get it out, but its still stuck. Is there a way to either unbolt or saw/torch apart the suspension with the spring uncompressed in a safe way? Or is the car going to be unrepairable. I am not very strong, but I can try other suggestions if anyone has them, but I am not sure what more I can do. I don't think there are any members here who live near me either, although if someone had time to help me that would be greatly appreciated.

Where do you live?

Post some pics of what you have.

Is the compressor still in place? Can you compress the spring enough to remove it?

I live in Vacaville. I'm pretty sure no one who works on their own car lives in this area. Here are some pics. The lower spring plate is stuck so tight it won't move at all.

The compressor is in place, but the lower plate is jammed inside the spring one coil to high to be able to remove it.

the spring compressors you rent from the parts stores fit around the outside of the spring. maybe you can hook it up and manipulate it enough (safely) to get that bottom plate out...

Ahh... Ok, don't give up just yet.
It looks like you still have the suspension assembled, that's good.
First I would raise the car and get a jack under the control arm, then undo the lbj nut, and disconnect it, then lower the control arm until it's fully extended against the shock, and see if you have enough play to get the plate back under the coil...

The plate is firmly stuck inside the spring. I was thinking about maybe compressing the spring as far as it will go then popping the upper ball joint loose to get more room, other than that idk.

That actually worked, I was able to compress it enough still to pop the upper ball joint loose and pry the control arm down and it just fell out. How do I keep that from happening again though? The springs are stiffer than stock ones so the coils are a little bigger, would the be part of it?

Not sure, do the plates fit on the spring coil?

I don't remember pulling the spring to cha he guide rod mount. What else are you after?