What is the best way to remove these things.. it looks as though they will come out from the top in the wheelwell?

 

Yep, they come out through the top into the engine compartment. Passenger side is easy, just remove your air filter stuff to get at the shock tower.
Driver's side is a little trickier, just have to wiggle through everything there to get it out.

 

Yup correct top load Like said be patient on the drivers side, its fun.

 

There's a tab on the bottom nut so it stays put while you turn the bolt. Pull the top nut and all the flat washers out of the way and pull the shock up from the top if memory serves me right.

Putin em back can be a pain if your usin stiff shock like the Bilstiens. tryin to push the rod down and get everything in place before it comes back up. Personally I use a socket with about 2 foot of extensions on it so I can push the rod down by layin my weight on those extensions.