Can shocks be changed like this?
 

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...4/89201900.jpg

I think the steering knuckle holds the LCA in place, not the shock, but just checking... Wouldn't mind swapping shocks while I'm here...

Swap away.

X2

Be careful with gas shocks that you don't accidentally unscrew the internals - so when undoing the top nut hold the flat bit on the shaft above the nut with a spanner to stop it from spinning round.

If I remember correctly you need a 13mm 12 point socket + ring spanner for the two bolts that fit the shock to the LCA. The bolt closest to the wheel is easy to reach but the one behind the shock is a bit more difficult to get a grip on.

I think it is a 13mm - I hope it is a 13mm!

Spring tension and shock changes
 

In order to be safe... Make sure the car is on jack stands and then place the floor jack under the spring and raise the jack to release some of the pressure on the shock. It will be easier to remove and the spring won't be fighting you when you reinstall the shock. After you have secured the shock, then release the jack under the spring.