Spring Plate removal

So, it's a bit of a newbie question, but what is the best/safetest way to take off my spring plates? I figured it was something like:

1. with enough load on the wheels to keep teh spring plates off of the torsion bar tube unbolt the retaining cover.
2. use a pry bar to nudge them past the end of the torsion bar housing
3. Raise the car to completely unload the torsion bar
4. Pry the spring plate loose.

Like I said, that was my first thought, but I'm sure there is a lot safer/simpler way of doing it.

Thanks for everyones help.