I once used a jack to change springs and even though it worked I was scared the whole time. Now I use the correct tool and chain the spring. . I had to cut my springs when I had a 400 in my Malibu wagon. I started with 1977 TA springs and they were super tall so they needed cutting. You need to do a 1/4 coil at a time then recheck your ride height. Mine took 3 quarter coil cuts to get what I wanted. I use the tool with the four fingers. But I remove the top part and thread the rod up through the shock mount hole. You may have to drill the hole to 3/4" but don't worry- most rubber shock mount washers have a big and small side and the big side fits the 3/4" hole. So I put several big washers on the top and then the nut. Grease the washers. Then I hook the bottom fingers as close to the lowest coil as I can. I pull the spring up into the coil tower by turning the nut. Now I can use a cut-off wheel to quickly cut the coil without over-heating it. The hardest part is getting the new cut end over into the drain hole pocket that the coil is supposed to sit in. You can use the whole tool to get the spring loose enough to to turn it, or use a big prybar to force it over. Either way, cutting a little at a time is the only way to sneak up on the ride height you want. One guy may say "cut this much for that much drop" but every spring, engine, car, is different and if you cut too much you are buying new springs. Do NOT use an impact gun at any time. My shorts are still stained from when I broke the tool doing that.
