Just came back from the bone yard. Saw an example (81SD?)of "drooping" spring and lower control arm, they are still attached to the car. The other suspension parts are all gone. The lower control arm is hanging near vertical, and one end of the spring is caught by the lower control arm. The spring is bent slightly.

I think BIGRED is onto the right track. However, a heavy duty flat rope may be better for safety, since to R/R the spring in this state, slight compression is needed.

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Shane83SD