Front Shock Replacement
Thanks Eric

Here is a rather simple way to remove and replace the shocks and springs with out any needed extra equipment follows (it works, I know since i just replaced my shocks 3 weeks ago.)

It is simple to remove the original stock Nissan KYB shocks, they will drop out of the hole that the lower mounting plate for the shocks cover. There are a few problems with this approach though, one, the bolts look rusted in place or are beat up, two and not quite as obvious until the new shocks are being installed, is that the new shocks most likely will have a larger diameter then the stock ones and will not fit up through the holes (this was my case). Also a note, the 3 small bolts that hold the lower cover plate that holds the shocks in, are threaded into what looks like a brass alloy nut.

Okay so how do you get the new shocks in??

First unbolt the shock! (top and bottom) Well the simplest way seems to be to remove the 4 bolts on the upper A-arm. These 4 bolts have (a stock one that hasn't been messed with before) a metal tab bent up to keep the bolt from backing out. So bend these metal tabs back and take out the bolts. (Of course you have to remove the wheel first and have the front of the car jacked up.) Be careful when all of the bolts are out, this will allow the lower A-arm to drop (which has the wheel hub attached, it is heavy). You might have to tap the upper A-arm with a rubber hammer to get it to pop the ball joint free and allow the lower A-arm to drop. (no need for a spring compressor, the spring is not in compression, at least mine was not, so the pieces do explode with the force of a compressed spring.)

Now it is rather simple to remove the shock and spring. I had to pry the spring free, the top seemed to be stuck, it turned out to be a rubber space, bushing, to keep the spring from rattling around, and it was stuck to the metal. With a little prying force it popped free not problem. Now you do you best to get the spring and shock out. I found it easier to undo the sway-bar mount on the A-arm (one little bolt/screw), and let the sway-bar be free of the Lower A-arm (move the sway-bar end above the lower A-arm, this let the Lower A-arm drop a littler further down and made getting the spring and shock in and out much easier.)

A point to be stressed pre compressing the shock and holding that way with a wire is recommended otherwise it is a battle of compress the shock and see how fast you can put the shock in the center of the spring and get both in between the lower A-arm and the upper spring mount. This method is not easy but can be done, but is frustrating.

Okay you are almost done at this point bolt in the shock on th bottom and then move up the lower A-arm and bolt the top into place it doesn't have to be tight just enough to hold it in place. (make sure all of those washers and nice new stiff bushings are in their proper place). Now you can lift the lower A-arm up and replace the 4 bolts you took out, not forgetting the metal locking tabs. Then re-mount the sway-bar end, haha, I say that such ease, it is not easy and will take a a little figuring. I ended up lining up the rubber mount with the sway-bar end in it in its proper location and then put the jack under the lower A-arm and jacked it up so there was less tension on the saw-bar and it fit into its mounting position easier. (if the text there didn't make much sense, it will when you get to this point.)

Now make sure everything is tight, and move on over to the other side. Hope this helps, and it should make things much easier. Also you do not need to have the car re-aligned after wards. Just go for a test drive to make sure everything feels perfect.