[ShaneHobson]

Option 1 worked perfectly.

Helpful tips.

There is a black, paper (?) washer which holds the metal washer in place at the top where the ball joint is. Make sure you put this back on when refitted the new strut. If the metal washer falls off and disappears into engine bay you'll be grumpy (learnt from experience).

Have some help, balancing an SVX bonnet on your head while lining up the top ball joint bolt is difficult.

Thanks for the help, checking the oil levels will no longer be an ugly chore to be avoided.