I did it!!

Everything was straight forward as mentioned on this forum. This forum certainly made the job so much easier. Total install time was 2.5 hours with a helping hands of a friend.

The most significant item is the strut compressor called StrutMaster($40). A standard long bolt & hooks compressor, nothing fancy, but the hooks are thin which is easier to insert between the gap. It took me several days to find it and I'm glad it paid off.

I saved $400. Thanks again guys !!!