I am researching instruction to replace the front shocks on my 4matic, I have the correct shocks already, Bilsteins for 4matic, and am tying to prepare. I recently (4 months ago) replaced the pass. side front axle and assume extricating the shock/spring will be of similar difficulty. do I need a spring compressor to remove the shock/spring from car? Do the shock/spring come out together as a strut? Do I need to drop the ball joint? etc. Does anyone have, or can anyone describe the steps. I have not worked on struts before, Should I find the correct spring compressor or bring the removed strut to a shop?

I could not find any other instruction or video online.....

Thanks,

Carver