I also did my front and rear shocks last summer. My new and old fronts were hex at the top. Using 2 floor jacks, one under the control arms, made it easier to adjust the height and insert the new shock. Had to compress on the floor and fit through the mounting hole before it fully extended.
Quesion: Is an alignment necessary after front replacment? I did not have one done, have not noticed any abnormal wear, and it seems the new fronts are fixed in the same position top and bottom by the mounting holes.

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BillS