Ray, it's been a couple years since I swapped out the earlier factory AVOs for some Bilsteins from a 21xx car. I just remember that the backs were easy and the fronts were a PITA, especially with all the washers/spacers and trying to compress the shock just enough to align. I honestly can't recall just how exactly I did it...what I used. Maybe some 10 gauge electrical wire and then I snipped it once the through bolt was in? I just remember filling up the curse jar that afternoon and not even the dog wanted me to pet her.
FWIW, the Bilsteins ride a whole lot smoother than the AVOs. It's still a fairly stiff ride, but then again I didn't buy a Cobra with the expectation that it would ride like a Cadillac.
-Dean #747