stumped on this one, strut problem 1992 Lumina sedan

[Chris2007]

the monroe gasmatics come supplied w/a bolt that's used to compress that rubber "auxiliary spring" thing. Instructions say insert it through the bottom, well...I don't see no way of doing that, so I stick it in the top! The only hole I can find. I tried that bolt (10mm x 1.5mm thread by 90mm), another 10mm x 1.25mm thread, yet another 3/8" x 16 (course) thread, and still another 3/8" x 24 (fine) thread bolt. Nothing works! What am I doing wrong???!!! Please help.
I read around that most people don't reinstall the assembly (that is held on on the bottom by one bolt, and is affixed to the side of the strut by those 2 large bolts that affix the strut to the knuckle. Does that mean I can just undo that bottom bolt at some point, before or after undoing the 2 big bolts, and let it spring free?? Will I wind up in the ER?
REALLY need to get this job done. I know I look like an idiot, but I've successfully completed much more complicated tasks on other cars before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[jeffcoslacker]

Front?

I'm having trouble picturing this. Been too long since I worked on those.

You trying to replace cartridges only? You'll need a spring compressor. And yes, releasing the spring without one WILL mess you up, if that's what you mean.

They usually provide an 800 tech line for help if you need it.

Never mind, I just found it.

http://www.monroe.com/support/contact-info

[Tech II]

He is talking about the rear......GM had a special C-Clamp type tool, to compress the aux. spring....