okay dokay.

did some investigative wrench turning and while I didnt get very far, I did learn some things.

1) i took out way too many interior panels. all that needs to be removed is the panel immediately behind the 3rd row seat.

2) I've confirmed my accumulators are shot as when i removed the small line up towards the top, the oil was all foamy. Also, the 11mm crows foot is CRITICAL. I don't really see how one could do it without one.

3) a 10mm hex is required to remove the large center screw that connects the oil fitting. I was using a 3/8" drive and BROKE the universal joint. Its clear to me that these are the original accumulators and the car has 111k miles. needless to say, those screws are in there mighty tight. Tomorrow i'm moving up to 1/2" drive. heck, an impact would be wonderful!

4) be mindful of the shafts that connect to the diff. there are 4 or 5 screws that attach the shaft to the diff, and it just so happens that one if them lined up perfectly so that it was impossible to get the 10mm hex in there.

5) initially i used ramps to lift up the back, but I think tomorrow i'm going to use tall stands.

thats all for now. I'll update tomorrow evening.