Using a spring compressor is not a bad idea .. however I've never found the need for one unless the springs are mounted on struts. I still don't need one then, unless I'm replacing either the strut, or the strut cartridge. Non strut automobiles are a breeze to remove coil springs.
Automatic transmission tools are a pain in the ass to gather up though ( if you buy them ). Orta see the home-made tranny tools I made .. just to save a grand or so I couldn't caugh up. Wasn't a bad trade off making them myself, really, I think it cost me about 3.00 worth of wire used off the spool in the welder, and the junk out of the scrap pile I used to make 'em with probly wouldn't brough more than 10 cents if hauled to scrap. But my tools work .. and the two tools I made for about 3.10 saved me about a grand
