Rear spring pad removal

[decoupe]

I need to replace the lower spring pad on the passenger rear - do I need to remove the half shaft first or can I just undo the shock at the top and carefully lower the swing arm until I can remove the pad?

Thanks

 

[sreams]

You can leave the half shaft connected, but you'll likely need a spring compressor.

 

[decoupe]

I'm hoping that lowering springs are short enough to avoid the compressors but I have a set in case.

Thanks for the info.