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.....

I think we all have been the Doofus at one time or another.

But, keep in mind that if you do what is in the Thread the Spring is actually compressed way less than it would be if you compressed the Spring enough to remove it in the normal manner. You would think that if the Spring is compressed less the hazard is also reduced.

Like a lot of the stuff suggested in the various Threads each Person has to decide if what is suggested is workable for them.

If nothing else it is a good idea to keep this thread in mind if you are stuck someplace and you need to do an emergency fix.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel