Hi all,
I'm ramping up to change the front end on my van and I'm unsure about the if and when a coil spring compressor is needed. Is one really necessary when replacing the control arms and installing new springs? I am sort of thinking I can just let the old springs go flying and then maybe just compress the new ones a little bit?

This guy has done a great job in making multiple videos on replacing the front end. He covers quite a bit of mechanical details novice's wouldn't know and gets the job done:
https://www.youtube.com/user/MyREALstories/videos

This guy takes a totally unexpected approach and leaves the spindle attached to both control arms while removing the UCA and sort of unfolds the suspension:
http://mrpulldown.blogspot.com/2009/...dodge-van.html

This is the style of compressor I bought (two hooks for the top and a fork-plate for the bottom):
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...7035/overview/

 

autozone will loan you a compressor

 

I wouldn't let them "go flying", a lot of damage to life, limb, and property can be done that way. Just jack the front end up high, support it on jack stands, then use a floor jack under the lower control arm to lower it after the shock, swaybar ends, etc. are disconnected. Replace the spring and use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm back up in order to reassemble everything.

 

Confirmed, a spring compressor is not required for either the standard or heavy duty front coil springs.