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There is hardly any compression required for the rear springs, but the fronts and especially the stock examples need to be compressed quite a bit and this requires proper tools to get things done. If you don't know what shock you have on hand I guess it will just be... give it a try. In 99% of the cases this will fit fine.

Rears just about done. Existing shocks seem OK with the stock springs. I forgot to measure guard heights before starting but with the right rear done, it was sitting 45mm higher than the left.

I understand the fronts are harder to get off? So a question I have is if I can't get the fronts off right away, or I can get them off but the shock is too short for the spring, what implications are there in driving the car with the stock rears done but the lowered fronts still in place....any driving would be local streets, not highway

EDIT: even if I could drive it.....it looks ridiculous.....and feels weird.....amazed how much 45mm feels

Eh front suspension is a completely different league. With a low experience level much better have someone with experience help you or you will be stuck, or harmed. Removing the front struts can be a real pain and then they're not apart yet..