strut replacement proceedure

Is the manual really correct when it says you have to get the steering knuckle loose from bottom ball joint and tie rod end just to change an strut, can't you just loosen the pinch bolt, undo the 3 bolts on the tower and get the strut out?

96 windstar with 135000 miles, struts seem shot...

I replaced a strut without separating the steering knuckle at the lower ball-joint. However, it was very difficult getting enough clearance to separate the strut from the knuckle because there is limited vertical travel with everything connected.

When I replaced the other side, I popped the knuckle off the lower ball-joint, and then disconnected the strut assy at the top and bottom (i.e. knuckle). It was much easier.