Personally, I think you'd be onto a winner getting the strut assembled by a mechanic beforehand.
If possible start spraying that bottom bolt (that clamps the shock absorber to the steering knuckle) with penetrating fluid asap.. spray as often as you can till you start the job. Dunno what mileage you have, but some people have had trouble getting that bolt off.
My impact wrench took mine off but was struggling a little bit.
Watch this too: