Not hard at all...It would help if you had 2 jacks, 1 for lifting the car and 1 for lifting the lower control arm (to take off pressure from the coil spring). I will say I thought my car felt "mushy" or like "a boat on the water". I ordered "Bilstein Heavy duty" front and rear shocks from "***********************" , they had the best pricing and fast delivery ! I installed the front shocks first and just about cried , it made such a big differance! The SL feels like it rides on rails ! (sorry about the explination points...but thats how I feel). I would probably stick with the "comfort" Bilstein rear shocks because the "Heavy duty" rear shocks seem to be alittle "stiff" in the rear ride quality. Only normal hand tools required, but I will say.....The "stffer" the shock......the "higher" you'll need the car and lower control arm off the ground to get the new shock in (they are stiff !) Good luck on your project and keep us all posted. Later Dave