Anyone who's replaced front shocks,
 

do you have to pull the shock tower as rave instructs? Or will the lower mount fit through intact?

Pulling the towers is really pretty easy and doesn't take long at all. IIRC, it's 4 bolts + the bolts at the top and bottom of the shock itself.

I don't think you'll be able to get the shock in there with the spring around it unless you're pulling the tower.

Yup...gotta pull the towers. Its a bit of a PITA to fish them through the engine compartment, but it is very straight forward. Lining up the lower shock mounts when you're refitting can be a bit of a challenge as well, if you can recruit a helper, do so.

You got access to a lift? Make's it a lot easier...:D

Nope, my lift is a floor jack and stands. I did the springs and shocks on my '98, I was just hoping the different tower design on the '04 would mean not having to pull them. Oh well.

the front is worse than the back. but yes have to pull

Well, if I got it that far apart, what better reason for new lift springs too....