I have replaced just the shocks themselves and it was easy, but I am planning on redooing most of the suspension. What if you changing out you lower and upper control arms; would you need a spring compressor?

 

+1 on the spring compressor if you are changing the front end suspension!! Springs are something you don't want to fool around with!!

 

65 fast back
If your changing your springs also, you don't need a spring compressor. Put your floor jack under the lower control arm and use a cutting torch on the spring, remove the shock, lower the lower control arm replace the arm and new spring and shock , rise the lower control arm with the floor jack. and hook to upper control arm. The spring can't come out cause the shock is in there.
If you want to save your springs, then a spring compressor is needed.

 

Hey Glenn, it's been awhile hasn't it. In the middle of selling my existing house and moving into another. Not going to have much free time for awhile but will try to visit as much as possible. Nice to see your keeping everyone in line.

 

i would trust billstein, KYB, Koni, E-brock are nice