I think you will need to compress the spring only if you are replacing the rod or its front (LCA) rubber.
The large rear bushing comes off with the aluminum bracket. No need to mess with the spring.
Count the number of turns required to remove the bushing from the rod. That will get you close to aligned when you reassemble.
There is a drain hole (notch) in the bushing. Make sure it is lined up correctly before you press it in the bracket. Compress the new bushing with a large hose clamp to aid in getting it started in the bracket.

I had a bunch of pics when I did this job. PC crashed and I lost it. I don't remember if there posted somewhere here or...