07 front shock replacement question

I just got my new bilstein 5100 to install in my 07 LT.  In looking I saw many different shocks which include the coil, the bilsteins do not, and are strictly the shock.  I have been looking for anything on the net showing just the shock removal and replacement without coils and haven't found anything.  I don't have the chilton manual, going to run out tomorrow and pick it up.

Can I just remove the shock center nut on top, two lower nuts and replace the shock without removing the coil?  Or does the whole assembly need to be pulled and spring clamps etc. used?

3 nuts on the shock tower, 2 bolts on the lower control arm. Whole assembly comes out. Spring clamps, DEEEEEEEP 18mm socket for the top strut cap removal/install.


There is a how to thread here already.