I've seen that I can just remove the cap and pull the right fork tube and replace the seals and bushings
Can I just remove the cap and pull the left fork tube with the springs captured or do you have to remove the Spring lock nut with the special socket to pull it out of the fork tube?
You only need the special socket if you are changing the spring itself. Just doing seals/bushings? Don't need the special socket.
On the right fork...you have to pull an allen bolt in the bottom of the fork to pull it apart...
I've tried the "leave the tubes on the bike" approach...LOTS of trouble to get back together (right tube). It's worth pulling them. Also...loosen top triple-t pinch clamp, loosen cap, then loosen bottom pinch clamp.