I have a 69 Camaro and am planning to remove the lower control arms and was wondering if anyone has a recommendation regarding what would be the best coil spring compressor tool to purchase. Thanks, John

 

I have changed a lot of springs in my time and have never used a compressor to install or remove springs
set the car on stands, place floor jack under lower A frame, loosen lower ball joint nut all BUT 2-3 threads, use your BFH and smack the A frame to pop the joint , or use a pickle fork if you plan to replace the rubber.
once the joint is loose remove the nut and SLOWLY let the jack down
install in reverse order

 

Thanks for the information. I thought about that method and then I read the service manual and it shows removing the spring by placing the jack under the bushing ends of the lower control arm using tool J-22739, which is mounted on the jack and contacts both bushings. In essence your pulling the spring out from the inside, which leaves the ball joint intack. What's your thought about that method or is it making the process more difficult?

 

I use a coil spring compressor that I bought at Harbor Freight, it uses the four "J" hooks. I remove the shocks, install the compressor and compress the spring. I also run a chain through the spring just incase the compressor comes lose and this way the spring would become un-sprung. I then jack up on the lower a-arm, remove the cotter pin on the ball joint, loosen the crown nut a little and hit it with a hammer.
Once it's released, remove the crown nut, lower the floor jack, and slide out the coil spring.

 

I have a spring compressor tool... used it once.
If you're anywhere near me, you could have it for really cheap (12-pack)

 

Thanks. I picked up one at Summit Racing.