Strut replacement idiot's guide?, Haynes a little vague....for a newbie! Options

[tadink]

Hey all -

I'm going to be replacing front and rear shocks / struts - and after looking at the Haynes manual, I'm wondering if someone has posted "the idiot's guide" for doing this?

In particular, the photo in Haynes shows a special tool-looking gadget holding the locking plate in place while loosening the nut (figure 7.5, page 101). Is that thing the dude is holding in his left hand an integral part of this procedure?

Also - for a strut insert, is this a 'strut off the car' procedure? I read a recent post where someone talked about this taking like 38 minute per side, taking the whole strut assembly off the car seems like it would take a LOT longer than that!

Please help the ignorant -

thx

td

[Valy]

I don't like the spring compressors, especially after one did a trick on me.

I use the smallest tie-down bands. While the spring is on the car, tie it with the band in 3 locations, about 120 degrees. I said tie with a knot, don't use the quick release from the tie-down. After you take the spring down, it will remain compressed.
Reassembly is a reverse.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
After the spring is back on the car, cut the bands throw then away.

Faster and safer than spring compressors. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

For the big nut on the front ones, I use the pipe wrench.