Stupid question about rear shocks - humor me

[CantStopCummins]

So i'm installing new rear shocks today or tomorrow and it was my understanding that the springs hold the truck up and the shocks are just there for shock absorbment, so when I take out the shock, it shouldn't lower the truck at all or come flying out or anything. Because of this I wasn't even going to jack it up, just unbolt the old and bolt in the new, but one of my buddy's dads said that the truck would drop a bit and it was going to be way harder than I thought. Can someone just clarify this for me? thanks in advance guys

[06speed]

A lot of shocks will push out and fully extend with no load on them. But usually you can push them back shorter by hand to get the bolts in. I never unload the suspension to put shocks on.

[elephantrider]

the shocks will release very slowly once you unbolt
the piston end. its not going to blow out and cut
your head off or anything, so go ahead and swap
em out

[CantStopCummins]

thanks guys, that's all I needed to hear