Replacing rear struts on 1996 Toyota Avalon

Like Tester I was going to suggest the quick struts. They make it terribly easy.

If Monroe doesn’t have them try Strutmasters (http://www.strutmasters.com) Gabriel is doing preassembled struts too - looks like Autozone has them - called “Ready Mount”

Short of that I’d also think about buying the parts and asking a shop to assemble them for me though you might have a hard time finding someone willing to do that. You’ll certainly need a local independent.

If you do end up doing it all yourself, then a good spring compressor is the most important item. Some of the chains (e.g. Autozone, Advance) now do loaner tools. I have taken advantage of that several times and have been perfectly happy with the tools tho I’ve never used one of the spring compressors.

The second most important item on the list is definitely air tools. A decent impact wrench will save you worlds of headaches.