NIC,
There is a lot of energy stored in one of those springs when compressed. If you have the right tool it is safe and easy just use common sense. I have a non MB approved spring compressor that fits inside the spring that works for me. In a pinch once I took a rear spring out without compressing it and reinstalled it by compressing it with a floor jack and a length of 4x4 underneath the garage door lentil. I kept it compressed with parachute cord. It is not something I would recommend.

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Bob D.
Parrish, FL
1 SDL, 1 D, 1 TD, 1 Mog