Front shock removal, TR3a

[a Wallace <wallaces@superaje.com>]

Here's a quiz for those who've btdt:
"To remove front spring, first extract shock absorber, then use spring 
compressor", etc.
All very nice and sensible sounding, but here I am with my frame 
practically stripped bare - how do I get the shock out? The spring is 
forcing the bottom plate down as far as it will go. I can't jack up the car 
to compress it; the whole frame just lifts up in the air.
Any hints? I'm stuck!
Thanks,
Jim