Toyota Repair: 99 rav4, spring assembly, spring compressor

Question
i have a 99 rav4 that i have to replace the front struts, can i remove the assembly without compressing the spring first?

Answer
You can remove the strut/spring assembly from the car but to replace the struts the springs must be compressed in a spring compressor once removed from the car. Make sure to only remove the three 14mm nuts on the top of the strut mount when removing them, DO NOT remove the 19mm nut in the center.