air compressor and impact wrench are optional
the special tools you would need is a good quality spring compress tool.

i recently took off the two 22mm bolts on strut on 2002 camry se, my impact wrench would not get it loose, i ended use a 3 feet pipe to 1/2" drive handle to and two person, to get it loose, it was rusted so bad, i estimated at least 300 to 400 lb-ft of force to break it loose.

 

Yes, did this today (struts). Rented compressors from Oreilly's. Having a 19mm socket, extension, and a ratcheting wrench helps. In case the compressor moves a little and you do not have straight path for socket, a ratcheting wrench sure beats a regular open or box end wrench.

I also did buy an electric impact wrench for $50 at HF, wanted to try it. Still ended up using the open end wrench couple times. So air tools for this is a plus but not necessary.

Btw, compressing the springs should only take 10 to 15 mins. With air/impact tools, 5 mins but do take your time.

 

Ait tools are never really necessary, they just make everything easier.

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is there a good DIY with pictures that shows the process of changing springs?

 

How about a vid? This one the guy says he took the video to show the use of this spring compressors he bought.
1989 Honda Accord KYB Strut How-To Installation

by sparkplugs.com <with spring compressor

DIY of struts are many but they do not show much with the compressors, just on and then off (its about the text description of that step).

Just keep in mind that these springs are big, do not rush it. Just one note though, in that link above, the guy holds the springs being compressed. Be careful which spring you do hold while a power tool is used... Air tools and most power tools are fast and you do not have much room for mistake.

You tube has one from Scott Kilmer that shows the same with commentary. It was only about 6 mins but enough for what you are looking for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf3wVBUYxAE

Good luck.

 

seems easy. do i need to have spring compressors for the lowering springs i put on? or are they so much smaller that it is unnecessary?

also, is there a way to do this without a vice? i don't have one, nor do i have an air compressor.

 

seems easy. do i need to have spring compressors for the lowering springs i put on? or are they so much smaller that it is unnecessary?

also, is there a way to do this without a vice? i don't have one, nor do i have an air compressor.

Yes you need spring compressors to get them off the struts. All you need to do is go to Autozone or Advance Auto Parts and get them as a loaner tool. They charge your credit card and then refund your money when you bring them back. Make sure you get the right ones. Some are made to go inside the spring.

 

Rockauto now lists quick-strut full assembly's for the Gen 5 Camry. This eliminates the need to use a spring compressor and also the need to worry about changing the other parts. I am looking into one, but not sure if anybody has tested them yet.

 

^I bought those for my old car. The install was painless and although the ride was a bit stiff for awhile (new springs will do that), it was much improved. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

@hockmasm: I put the struts flat on the floor on some wood. Used the loaner spring compressors from Oreilly's. Used 19mm sockets. 10 mins done. Take off nut, spring, and move it to new one. Reverse steps.


Quick strut is the fastest way out. About 20 mins each side. From feedback, the ride is softer than KYBs. After 2 years they start to sag.

 

how do i get the top nut off without a vice or impact wrench?

 

I used a long box wrench (not that long, 11/25 open end std len) across two stud bolts to keep it from spinning. A long 1 x 2 wood strip works too. With a 6 in extension on the socket, turned the nut. Make sure you have some gloves on so the grip is good. Did the same for tightening also. I actually torqued the nut on the back struts this way while on the floor as there is no room for a socket esp torque wrench to fit through opening while mounted.