Changing strut shock.

[Al]

'90 80 

Hi guys,

Will I need all of the tools called out in Bentley? Like the socket Tool # 3078, that has a side chewed out, so the hex wrench can hold the shaft while turning the nut. Will enough tension be released by removing the strut from the wheel housing , allowing it to hang down, so I can turn the nut without a tool, just a socket?

Or the tool WV524 that has two ears to remove the slotted nut, that hold down the strut mounting w/bearing. Wouldn't a long needle nose pliers do the same thing? 

My strut mountings have 40K on them, replace or leave. OEM or something better.

Besides  a device to compress the springs, anything else I need to know?

Thanks,

Al