I know a guy that placed a 4x4 from on top of the frame to the beam in the ceiling in the garage and then used a floor jack under the a arm.
I remember using 4x4's and house jacks to lift houses, and if they weren't perfectly straight they could kick out. As stressfull of an experience using those spring compressors were I would go that route again. I just wrapped a heavy duty chain around the spring and using a shackle, I tightened the chain as I compressed it. I little oil on the threads helps to.
One thing I saw on tv that I liked was a guy using an electric impact gun to tighten and loosen the spring. Seems quicker and less handling of the spring.
