Front strut replacement - any tips?

[Tugela]

After 171,000 miles the front passenger airbag on my LR3 has a slow leak and it's time to replace the pair. I have new struts. I have my GAP tool. I watched the Atlantic British tech video. It doesn't look complicated, but those are always my famous last words. Any words of wisdom that might make the job easier from those who have done it? How essential are the long needlenose pliers? I have a flex head ratcheting wrench.

I don't have a lift, so will be using jack stands for the frame and will have my Disco bottle jack handy if I need that for moving the control arm.

 

[ryanjl]

It's not overly difficult. The top nuts are the hardest part. You always see the recommendation to soak those nuts in PB Blaster the days leading up to the project. I don't live in a super rust prone area, so never really do that. I did not do it on the passenger side and it was a PITA. Started that late in the day, so went ahead and soaked the top nuts on the driver's side once the passenger side was done. When I hit the driver's side the next day it was much easier.

Otherwise, the Atlantic British video gives you all the info you need.