Carl's advice is good advice.

I practiced using the spring tool for sliding on the spring and the other end for removing the spring. Most of the time it works like a charm. When it does not work, I save my special incantations (#$@&%*!) and use a vise-grip pliers.

use of the tool - spring removal and spring installation (probably also shown at a link above)

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.