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Very nicely detailed procedure. Still, it is a dirty, hard job. I would add these tips from a pair I changed yesterday;I was doing the job by myself and had to figure out a way to get that heavy long assembly back on without help.
1. Only use Bilstein or better strut cartridges.The cheap ones I replaced looked like new, but had no gas charge.
Using your Impact wrench loosen the strut nuts 2 x 360 degrees before removing the assembly from the car.
2. Buy an 11 mm brake line wrench from Orielly. If the brake lines do not loosen easily, heat the line below the brass nut with a torch and it will break loose easily. Do this before you try vise grips and mangle the soft brass nut. ( Ask how I know )
3. Screw your Volvo jack to a 18" 2" x 6", for stability. After removing the ball joint bolts, bolt one of the twin ball joint holes to the hole in the top of your jack using the ball joint nut and bolt. Then run the jack to the ground.
After taking the tower nuts off, you can lower the strut assembly to gain clearance with your jack. Leave the jack attached, it will be at the correct height for reassembly.
4.Dont hurt your back.
Even with a helper, putting the assembly back on the car is difficult, ( and a good way to say something to your wife you will regret. The Volvo jack "helper" makes it slower, but a one man job.
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