I ran into the "can't get wrench on inner, lower shock absorber bolt" problem a few weeks ago. Same trick - unbolt shock top nut and lower spindle to pull shock out of top hole and pull toward wheel, then you have room. I changed shocks w/ the wheels on (lazy), but is easier if you remove the wheel.

Not sure what is so threatening in the post 4 photo. The spring isn't compressed and nothing is going anywhere. To be safest, it is always good to loop a chain thru the spring when working w/ big springs. Even nylon rope would help keep it from getting too excited.

The toughest job you will have is replacing the lower ball joint, but there are many posts on how to remove from the spindle (easy, big hammer) and install the new one (hard, big C-clamp tool w/ just the right shell adapters, heat and hammer).

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans