No spring compressor needed. And it wouldn't fit in there if you had
one. (BTDT.) (Unless you can find the spring 'compressors' my front
end guy had. No moving parts. Elongated "C" shaped 1/4" thick steel
bar. Clip a couple of them on the spring with the weight of the
vehicle on the suspension. Raise vehicle. 'Compressor' holds the coils
slightly collapsed.  Spring falls out. He has a set of six of them.
Pairs of three different lengths.  Very cool tool. He doesn't remember
where he got them....)

Springs?  Check out this thread:  http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=321336&highlight=

Moog 5660 springs from Amazon. $58.00 new.

Jim

On Dec 26, 2010, at 6:50 PM, C B wrote:

> Thank you, contributing to the list wisdom suggesting a broken front
> spring. After raising and lowering Cunegonde several times and tilting
> her from side to side to listen for noises and look for visibly busted
> parts, all I get is the sagging front driver side corner. So, I will
> shop for new(er) front springs and various bushings (certainly my
> upper a-arms, which squeak appallingly, and the anti-sway bar
> bushings, which are cracked).
>
> Now the questions to you all are -
> - Where to rent the spring compressors in Portland, OR or
> - What's the best shop for the job in Portland
>
>
> Much appreciation, folks!
>
>
> On Sun, Dec 26, 2010 at 6:40 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com
> > wrote:
>> As many have already offered you most likely broke a spring. This is
>> becoming a common occurrence as these springs are well past there
>> useful
>> life. Add some rust (stress risers) and broken springs happen.
>> Since you
>> will have to some disassembly to change it, consider a thorough
>> inspection
>> and overhaul of the complete suspension. An often overlooked part
>> is the
>> front strut (radius) rod mounts. These wear in the center and when
>> really
>> worn can damage the chassis where the rods are attached. If the
>> suspension
>> really drops it is possible for the ball joints to be damaged from
>> being
>> pushed past their normal angles.
>>
>> Events like this are a main reason one has to give thought to
>> oversize tires
>> and other suspension mods.
>>
>> Dennis