Being a village idiot I don' know all the terms you mentioned above, but I have taken springs off before. If you run down to Autozone you can get a free spring compressor that's pretty decent quality. You just pay a deposit fee, take the compressor, and they return the fee when you bring it back.
As for the springs, they can spring off and go crazy at any time they're compressed. Keep your fingers clear and use gloves! Use an impact wrench on the compressor to prevent the twisting motion of a socket wrench. Much easier too.
Other than that, just use common sense and take it slow. Don't put your face in the spring area either, or you could be buying some George Washington style teeth in the future
Don't forget to post some pics of the process, and good luck!