W201 Strut Replacement Question

[savagetom]

I'm getting ready to undertake the replacement of the front struts on my 1987 190D and I need some advice. I've reviewed the instructions in the chassis manual but I don't understand why compressing the springs is required. What I propose to do is to place a jack stand under the control arm once the wheel is off and then lower the vehicle body slightly onto another jack stand. It seems to me that this is perfectly safe since the control arm can't move any further even when the strut is removed. I plan to raise or lower the body slightly as required to get the strut in the proper location for rebolting into place.

Also, the rubber mounting pieces look good when inspected from above. Should I plan on replacing them anyway?

Am I missing something? Any other advice for this job?

Thanks,