Tony The big issue is the tension exerted by the torsion bars on the lower control arm (LCA). If not properly released it can damage the ball joints. There is considerable tension on the LCA at the bottom of the shock travel, and still considerable tension if you have the shock off and the car raised off the ground. The manual talks of disconnecting the upper ball joint before you extend the suspension to full droop when you remove the shock. This presents some practical difficulties. The best way I've found is to acquire two large turnbuckles. The center portion should be 8" long or so. First disconnect the sway bar links to the LCA. When the car is on the ground or raised up to the point that the shock is almost fully extended remove the shock and substitute the turnbuckle to take the tension. Jack the car off the ground with the turnbuckle holding the LCA up against the tension from the torsion bar. Take the wheel off and remove the upright assembly by disconnecting the ball joints. To make this an easier job firstly remove the caliper - then the rotor hub combo, then disconnect the ball joints. Then unscrew the turnbuckle until there is no more tension on the LCA.
An alternative way is to put the front on jack stands then keep the LCA raised with a jack under the lower ball joint cup while you remove the shock, and disconnect the upper ball joint. Let it sit loosely in the upper CA while you lower the LCA (shock off) until tension is removed. The problem with this method is the instability of the car while you have pressure on one side of the suspension. The job is manageable if the car is on jack stands - I wouldn't try it on a two post lift.
