[PrematureApex]

You may get lucky and be able to drop it out with just number 1 (I was able to on one side, not the other).

The third way (and the way I did it I think, is to do #1 AND use the spring compressors to shorten up the assembly. Yes, it's a bitch to reach up there to turn them with the struts bolted in, but it's possible.

IIRC, I was more likely to pop the CV joints out rotating the knuckle too much doing #3.

And don't worry too much about the CV's popping out. You'll know it when it happens. Just line up the axle and smack the end with a BFH (and a piece of wood). It will pop back in without much trouble.

Oh, big tip: I forget which way, but for trying to drop the knuckle down and off the strut, it helps to have the steering wheel turned a certain direction. So don't forget to give that a try when trying to get it that last inch.

Sometimes the fronts go easy, sometimes they fight you. Have fun!