i'm trying to get everything lined up so i can put my springs in this weekend, but i hit a wall with the nut that holds the top on the front strut and rear shocks. the front nut is 17mm (don't know what the rear is) and it is recessed way down in there. and you've gotta hold the threaded rod fromt the strut. the manual lists mitsu part # for the special tools, but i couldn't find them on line. is there any way around this? any other tool i can use? has anyone out there done their springs themselves? HELP!

 

I don't think you'll have a problem without special tools. I replaced my springs without them. As I recall they came loose easily by taking the struts/shocks out of the car, putting them on a bench, and loosening them with a socket wrench. I tapped on the wrench handle with a hammer to give a pseudo-impact wrench effect. It would probably be best to loosen the front strut nuts with the strut still installed in the car. You could also use a powered impact wrench. I've got one, but didn't even bother to use it for this job.