76FJ55

I also managed to get mine out using this method. it wasn't easy but they will come out and with no effect on the alignment.

This is the only method I've tried, so I can't say it's the easiest but it is possible. I actually can't say it's easy at all it was a fight to get the coil through the upper arm, but with a fair bit of twisting it will eventualy line the coils with the control arm and thread out.

jpitman2

I got my Bilsteins out and back in by dropping the lower arm off the frame, which allows the upper arm to pivot up. I had to screw the shock/spring assy through the upper arm, but it did go through. The new perches were actually slightly smaller in OD than the originals, so it was easier going in than out. Mine is an 83, so the top arms are slightly different from an 86.5, but from what I have read, the later top arms are better in this regard.
jp 83 Euro S AT 52k