A broom handle wedged between the bottom of the hatch opening and the hatch can suffice as an assistant (can't talk back or complain either). If your struts are as original they will have a wire spring clip securing the sockets to the balls. These wire clips have to be removed before the sockets can be separated from the balls. Find the end of each wire clip where it wraps around the base of the socket--the end will have a little bit of a "handle" sticking out. Use a screwdriver against the "handle" to lift the wire end - rotating the wire "loop" away from the socket. The clips will be pivoting on a straight section that enters a hole in the socket at the rod end and slips through to a hole on the far end. That straight section is what keeps the socket locked to the ball. Pull each clip straight out of the socket. All the struts I've used have screw on sockets at the rod end and sometimes the new strut needs to have that piece transferred. With the clips removed you should be able to just pry the sockets off the balls. Sometimes they're dry and need a little spritz of penetrating oil to help get them separated. -- Dave