ksechler is probably looking at the FSM procedure, which describes leaving the transverse link (control arm) installed and removing the spindle pin to remove the upright and change the shock insert. If you remove the control arm, by disconnecting the inner mounts, along with the upright, you do not need to remove the spindle pin to get it done.

it looks like it. just the bolt and a clamp at the control arm. he removed the muffler and the crossmember for access to the mount, right?

i ultimately am gonna do all of the things in the tech tips, but on my 260.

Thats right, the exhaust pipe is in the way of things. You also need to drop the front diff mount crossmember and support the diff. Disconnect the sway bar, hand brake cable and rubber brake line.

The drive shafts can be removed two ways. I preffer removing the bolts at the wheel stub axle and leaving them in the diff, but you can also give them a quick hard pull or lever between yoke and diff flange and they will click out of the diff.