I pulled a front spring out of a w201 after the front strut was removed. Whatever else needed removing to get the lca free to swing we removed. I put a chain around the spring "just in case". put a crowbar down the center, tied a tifor griphoist to it and stood far enough away to feel safe. We just yanked it free.

My sense from that experience is that this thread is probably correct. I liked having the chain to contain things but it didn't jump far with the bar inside. I had a truck garage reinstall the spring in another vehicle-- from the look of those boys I bet they just squeezed it between their gums.

I also can easily imagine a doofus hurting himself if he tries to cut corners. But lets be frank -- a doofus can always hurt himself.....