When you take off the nut on the top side, then jack up until the wheel is off the ground, you will have an almost fully extended strut. I used a long allen and was able to compress it through the wheel well with body weight. It wasn't easy, but easier than I expected it to be.

I'm sure they need to be replaced... I just don't want to replace them and NOT fix the knocking. If new thrust arms don't do it, I'll probably bite the bullet on black friday.