Do you have to remove tie rod ends to replace front shock inserts?
 

I just put new turbo tie rods on. Getting the rod ends off last time was a serious PITA even with my tie rod puller. If I'm replacing the ront shock inserts (not the whole strut), do I need to remove the ends?

Not on my car. But, I did have to remove the soft brake lines. I couldn't rotate the assembly out far enough past the fender in order to get the new shock assembly in without taking the lines off first. I went from Bogi's to Bilsteins (insert only). Man were those Bogi's shot!

You just need to remove the nut from the top and pull the strut down as far as you can and (in my case) it should come out and clear the fender. Same thing to put the new one back in. I have the braided brake lines that might be longer. Good luck.

You even don't have to remove the soft brake lines...the only thing necesary is to pull the tab where the soft and hard brake line comes together on the body. Then move the hard line ( gently ... and "slightly" ) ... which gives you enough swing room to move the strut out from the wheel-well.
No other disconnects needed...
--Wil Ferch

Perfect. Thanks!

One other thing I might add...there's not a lot of clearance for the strut insert to clear the wheel well, so you might want to put a bit of tape on the edge of the wheel well (to protect the paint) while you're installing the new shock insert. Or just be aware of this, and be extra careful not to nick the paint.

If you have a sway bar removing the drop link or dropping the rear of the bar will make it easier to drop the a-arm with the strut tower attached.

If you can't get the cartridge out look here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/103170-help-garage.html