I fitted my HD front springs by lowering the axle as previously described. You do have to watch the brake lines don't over extend but it is easily achievable without compressing the springs.
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I never have had to use a spring compressor. However I have used springs with much more free length than stock and had to lift the front calipers off. Also if you have the stock swaybars these may need to be disconnected and the front sway bar won't allow the front axle to droop enough before the drive shaft hits the bar.