Shock Install for suspension nOOb

[Corvettekid82]

So Im about to start upgrading my suspension slowly but surely.. I plan on putting on Koni DA's on the front and a new 32mm sway bar this weekend. I've done a search on the installs of both but I still have a few questions

1. Do I absolutely have to remove the springs from the car to swap the shocks like on the walkthru on ls1howto.com? Or can it be performed without removing the shock like old school applications?

2. From what I've read I might as well do the shocks first then connect the new sway bar because the endlinks of the sway bar have to removed to access the shocks, right?

Thanks for the help

[SexOnWheels]

1. Yes the springs have to be removed on the front to change out the dampers.

2. I installed the front shocks/springs and then put in the endlinks and a new (bigger) sway bar.

If you ever want new springs now is the time to change then out. If you are happy with the stock springs then you are ready to go.

[Corvettekid82]

It was much easier than I thought. I was worried about the ball joint and the spring compression. The ball joint disconnected with some gentle tapping on the spindle arm. The springs.. solved that problem by taking them to Pepboys.. they installed the shocks for 40 bucks total. Saved me the agrivation of using my handheld spring compressor and possibly shooting a spring thru the wall or my car. Sway bar install was cake.
Thanks for the advice.