Putting in new springs and shocks all around this weekend. Chilton says I need to detach sway bar, loosen lower ball joint, and loosen bolts holding on lower a arm in order to remove the front springs. Chilton also says it's a good idea to do full alignment afterwards.
if it turns out all the loosening is necessary to get the springs out, do I need to do an alignment afterwards?
if it turns out it isn't necessary, do I need to do an alignment afterwards?

the new springs are the Moog variable-rate compressors. They're OEM height, but the existing springs are original, and likely sag a bit (I can't find original ride height online). The rears definitely need a replace-- left side sits about 2 inches lower than right side in the rear.

 

If you're changing the ride height, it will change the camber. So it's a good idea to reset the alignment. It may be a good idea to set the alignment anyway if it hasn't been checked in a long time. It's a cheap that can improve handling and protects the tires from early wear.