[Jack21]

Petek, you're absolutely right. I took the same physics classes you did, and my first spring job was done with brown shorts after reading all the warnings in the manuals. That was '67, and have done a few others since. Worst was an Olds diesel.

If the spring is at all compressed when it releases from the suspension (or releases from the spring compressor installing the new spring), all the bad things will happen.

The first pair of springs on the Cobra, I used DV's technique of putting a chain around it to "Catch" it, just in case. On the Cobra, however, the spring was completely uncompressed by the time the control arm was low enough to release the spring. It literally falls out. Even with the strut rod in place, pressing it down with a breaker bar will give you enough clearance to remove the spring if it doesn't fall out onto the floor on its own.

But I think we all agree by now, coil-overs are the way to do this from a ride quality, and maintenance perspective.