sls hydraulic shock fitting accessibility
 

Are the hydraulic fittings on the SLS shocks for my '81 300TD wagon accessible from above or only from below?

Is there a trick to gaining access and leverage to them?

All I need is the mounts replaced with a rebuild kit but they have to withdraw the shock in order to do this and the mechanic is having trouble accessing the fitting...

Any tips/tricks would be much appreciated!
-shawn