Once you disconnect the shock from the control arm, you can pull the spring out, but it doesn't get in the way of removing or installing the control arm, so I just left it in it's cradle.
Two things I would point out to anyone tackling this project:
1 - the wheel hubs are held in by torque 50 bolts, spray the crap out of these with penetrating oil and use 1/2" ratchet extensions instead of 3/8 and use an impact gun.
2 - when reinstalling the new control arm, install the 3 bolts first, do not tighten but get them installed and threaded halfway and then work on the ball joint end, I used a floor jack to assist with getting the ball joint seated.
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