As I prepare to replace the shocks for the first time (on any vehicle, for me) I'm asking anyone who might know anything about it.  In so doing, I spoke to my wife's cousin, a professional mechanic (not necessarily VW), who said I would need spring compressors or else risk life and limb when the shock comes loose and the spring goes boing.

Is this true?  I was referred to this site, http://volksweb.relitech.com/frshocks.htm, by someone from the list and it doesn't say anything about compressors.

Interested in keeping this body whole,
Cecil
'85 Westy
"Der BrotKasten"