I'm not sure what kind of spring compressor is available from pep boys, but if is the standard pair of threaded rods with hooks on each end, which are applied to the outside of the spring, I'm not sure how well it will work. You might find that its hard to attach it and compress the spring. The best type has a shaft that goes through the center of the spring through the hole in the engine compartment, then a plate is inserted through the spring, catching the shaft. Once the spring is compressed and pulled up against the chassis, you can work on all suspension components without worry about the spring compressor shifting and releasing the spring.

Anyway, good luck with the job.

Oh yes, I also have a "she-who-must-be-convinced-that-the-work-I-do-to-keep-my-baby-running-is-well-worth-the-effort-and-would-cost-ten-times-more-if-I-brought-to-a-garage-even-though-I-buy-tools-to-do-the-work-and-keeps-us-from-having-another-car-payment-and-really-is-fun-for-me-even-though-I-swear-a-lot-when-I-work-on-my-car......."

I will admit, sometimes I order parts and have them shipped to me at work...she just doesnt understand!!

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)