Original front shocks in my Q45 base model were totally blown out at 200k miles. Sourced a set of new KYB shock inserts from Jesse Streeter in Japan. KYB SR Special NSC6004. Kept original coil springs. Car rides very good now.
Imgur album:
https://imgur.com/a/IEqFAnA
Remove brake caliper bracket. Unbolt sway bar link, tie rod end, balljoint. Use hammer and pickle fork or press to separate tie rod and balljoint. Once balljoint is separated, go in engine bay to remove strut bar and 3 top strut bolts. I will attach this section from workshop manual to this post.
If your wheel speed sensors are original you are not going to be able to remove them from the knuckle without breaking. Unplug them from the engine bay and feed them through the grommet into the wheel well. Ziptie them to the knuckle.
Once you have the strut removed, use a spring compressor to collapse the spring and remove top bolt. Disassemble and loosen the old shock from the tube. Insert new shock and tighten, using new cap from KYB package.
I found this old style macpherson tool "widowmaker" works best with this style of strut.
Old vs new shocks side by side.
New shock installed with bump stop and dust cover assembled. *bump stop required modification from 3/4" drill bit to fit onto shaft.
New top hat, isolator, and bearing from in order from left to right top to bottom.
Strut assembled with new shock and ready to install. Torque the top center isolator bolt with everything assembled and the car resting on the wheels.