Changing front springs on a 2006 non-turbo

[samson77]

I am already into trying to change my front springs.
Does the strut have to be removed to change the spring?
I have the 1st one off and that was the only way to remove the spring.
What type of coil compressors are best to use? I am trying to use some mcpherson type coil compressors from harbor freight tools
(seen here http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3980 ) and they are a pain to use.
Also, when I removed the strut the axle popped out of the tranny and the boot came off. How do I get the boot back over the joint?
Thank you for any help

[samson77]

Update:
The CV boot was off because it tore off because the rotor assembly was allowed to fall too low, allowing the axel to pull out of the tranny and tearing the CV boot.
The strut should be taking out in one piece with the spring. You leave the large strut piston nut attached and remove the 3 assembly nuts, keeping the spring somewhat compressed. You then remove the 2 large strut bolts at the spindle and pull out the whole assembly.

[CREWZIN]

Sounds like you answered all your own questions, but for all the novices out there, your better off leaving the front spring changing to an expert with the right tools. Those springs are under a lot of tension and can easily do damage to skin and bones. The rears are pretty easy to replace with the right tools and they aren't under tension on the rear.