do you need a spring compressor for removing shocks and springs?

[FAITHLESS]

ek civic cxi. do i need to compress the springs before i remove the shocks and springs or do they come out in one piece?
thanks guys

[impossi13le]

if you're just changing over shock/spring combo, ie putting another shock/spring combo in then no, you wouldnt need one. but if you were changing your springs and keeping your current shocks, then yes, you would need a spring compressor. By all means DON'T take off the spring retaining nut without a spring compressor in place. If you are unlucky it could go mental around the room and possibly end up in one of your eye sockets

[FAITHLESS]

ok great. yes replacing with coilovers. thanks dude.