There are 2 things I'm going to be replacing, probably very easy, but wondered what bad things will happen to me if I don't ask the veterans.

First up is the big fuel filter. I heard it's a twist on/twist off. I'm assuming counter clockwise will take it off? Next, does fuel spill everywhere (I use plastic bags when I change the pre-filter, really helps from spilling fuel everywhere) or is it pretty clean to change it?

Next is the transmission cooling hoses. They run underneath the radiator area, and are the hose with that coiled wire around them. I'm assuming it's just counter clockwise to take them off. I'd heard the hoses are not under pressure, so transmission fluid's not going to come spurting out all over me, is it?

Also, how hard to replace shock absorbers? Just thinking about it for now.

Thanks,

Jeff 1991 300d, 118k