have my front clip off, engine out, was wondering if its safe to remove top ball joint and jack car up slowly to get springs out??? thx steel

I'd wrap a chain around the spring to the frame, remove the lower ball joint nut with a jack about an inch or so underneath the lower control arm and then give the spindle a whack with a hammer to release the lower a arm, then slowly lower the jack to release the spring pressure. Without the front clip and engine in, it will be very difficult to reinstall the springs.
Whatever you do, be carefull, it can be a dangerous job!

Mike

A good spring compressor is needed for this job. Even if you wrap a chain around the frame and the floor jack the spring still needs to be compressed to get the spring in and out of the pocket safely. I had my springs in and out while restoring my 68 several times without the motorin the car without wrapping a chain around the jack. Spend the thirty bucks and buy a good spring compressor (or rent one ) you will be glad you did.

You can get them out but they won't go back in without being compressed. These guys just sold me this one for under $42.00 'cause my last cheapo one got screwed up.
http://dmstools.com/master/ta62200.htm

thanks john, steel :D