When I did my springs I didnt replace the shocks at the time so I learned a little by doing it twice.

Make sure you have all the CORRECT tools ready and waiting, an Impact is pretty important for the top strut bolts, makes it real easy. As for getting by without metric allen wrenches it just wont happen.

Spring compressor is only needed to dissasemble the strut assembly, the new springs are much shorter and do not need to be compressed to assemble hence the need for an impact to tighten the top bolt.

The new shocks come with a new collar nut, these have to be tightened to 80ft lbs, since it's impossible to use a torque wrench, tighten them by useing a big pipe wrench and make them tight.

The new shocks have internal bumpstops, pitch the old ones into the trash. The washer your talking about I feel is needed, thats what pretty much holds it tight. Use your own discression but the rears sit low enough as is.

Torque everything up with a torque wrench to specs and you should be good to go!!

Good luck and keep us posted on your experience.