I need to replace the front struts and wanted to know if I purchase the strut and spring together do I need to use a spring compressor to remove old front struts and springs ?

 

If you want to replace the springs go ahead.

I won't use a spring compressor in my garage. I either buy the strut pre assembled or get it done by a professional. I'm not losing an eye anytime soon.

Springs are a wear item too, for what that's worth. If the wheel gap is good also that spring in there.

 

A spring compressor is fine but I strongly recommend a heavy duty one rated for truck springs, the amount of flex that a light duty one has makes my hair stand on end, the rule of potential energy (compressed spring is potential energy) is you always pay attention to what direction the energy is aiming at, keep it laying on it's side on a bench. Keep a towel over as much of the assembly as you can in case something fails it doesn't fly off but instead is trapped under a towel.

Honestly though it's worth the $10 per strut to just take it down to a shop and have them do it, if for no other reason than it usually saves time if the shop is close.

To answer your question, removal of the STRUT from the vehicle does not require a spring compressor. Once it has been removed it WILL require a spring compressor to separate the strut from the spring. Yes you can buy an assembled spring/strut that doesn't require a spring compressor but it's going to cost quite a bit more than just re-using your springs (if they are in good condition still). Springs typically only experience wear if the vehicle is substantially loaded and hitting a lot of bumps with max suspension travel over a long period of time (or worn shocks putting causing excess travel and wear), a very heavy driver can wear out just the front left spring and strut for example.

 

I've heard so many horror stories that I feel the same way.