The important point is Safety!

When you dismantle the front suspension components like removing the UCA, the only thing left keeping the spring in place, is the shock-absorber...

These can and have broken....

The result can be rather nasty, as that spring can fly out of place and could seriously injure someone or something...

The way I did mine, was to raise car up, remove all brake-components, then place a large block of wood Under the LCA and allow some weight of the car to compress the spring an inch or so before removing the UCA and the steering 'knuckle'....

This makes sure that the spring doesnt place all its load on the shock-absorber....

Best way would be to use a proper spring-compressor to make sure the spring doesnt extend...
A heavy (1") thread passed through the spring and two substantial steel-plates can be used to secure the spring when removing LCA or UCA ball-joints from the steering knuckle........

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http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...0TDnoplate.jpg

Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....