Yes you need a special tool to remove the bolt that attaches the strut to the car. It is called a "triple square" bit. Looks like a torques bit but it is not. It is also a very tight fit to get it, I used a hammer. Do one side at a time, and you may need a helper to hold the gate. The struts just pull out of the hole, bit it takes a bit of wiggling

look here

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=146244