1992 Lumina 3.1 rear struts

Apparently my vehicle is equipped w/the "auxiliary damper" assembly, which has to be removed w/something resembling a c-clamp, w/"extras", and the Hanes manual calls for a GM tool to compress the transverse spring. Can the latter be accomplished w/a jack? I know there must be a few of you out there that is well acquainted w/the job and know the workarounds. PITA stupid cars have to be so complicated! I did the front struts on a Beretta years ago and nothing special was needed but the spring compressors (and I got a set of them).