'65 impala front springs removal

Ok dumb question, done this before on other cars but this one is killing me. I have 2 issues right now trying to get my front springs out to cut down some coils.

1.) Everything i read says to pull the cam bolt out from the lower control arm where it bolts to the frame. bad idea no?
2.) Isnt it easier to just compress the spring, knock the balljoint loose from the lower control arm and with a jack under the control arm lower it down and pull the spring out? I looked into this but the castle nut is on top so this would mean that i would have to knock it loose then jack up the control arm to clear the baljoint stud and then lower it down, problem is I dont have the clearance to get it high enough with the spring compressed.

Am i am idiot? I have done this on other early to mid 60's cars and it was straightforeward.

Thanks in advance

 

You only need to compress it a little to take the pressure off the ball joint. It helps to have the sway bar loose too.

 

Undo the shock,undo the stabilizer link, remove the tie rod end from the spindle. Put a floor jack under the control arm. Remove cotter pin out of castle nut,loosen castle nut about 3 turns,slightly lower the jack to apply pressure to the joint,whack the knockle with a good size ball peen hammer,the joint should separate from the knuckle and still be safely held in place by the castle nut,raise the jack up a bit to turn and slide the knucle off the ball joint,need more room? undo the upper joint also. remove knuckle,slowly lower jack to remove spring. With care and common sense this is an easy procedure.

 

Loop a chain through the coil, anchor it down.

 

Perfect, thanks guys.