Couple others have commented that you need to remove the bottom 3 bolts and remove the whole strut from the car in order to do a R&R. I didn't have to do this, though it was pretty tight. I duck-taped the wheel well so as to prevent any scraping etc, then fitted a set of spring compressors (not a clam-shell type, I went with the cheap double ended hook type, $9 a set from HarborFreight tools). As I compressed the spring, the strut was able to be swung down far enough to clear the wheel well opening. I was able to do a complete R&R job while the housing remained on the car. I guess this is kinda tricky to do and especially with limited space in there to manuever, you may be better off removing those 3 bottom bolts... I did try to remove those bolts at first but I sheared off one of the bolts when I did attempt that approach. Also, the lower control arm ball joint boot may get damaged as you swing out the strut housing, mine were very new, so it was still supple enough to accommodate the extra stretching... yours may vary.
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