I can't speak about the Monroe's, but I did replaced them on our previous MOHO (97 Winne Vectra, F53) using Bilstein gas charged shocks. The first one I cut the strap, bolted the top and used a car scissor jack to compress the shock to align the lower bolt. The second, third and four ones I bolted the top, cut the strap and was able to capture the lower bolt as the shock expanded. As identified above, the shock can be compressed by hand but the angle is awkward (even for a 2x4) so a scissor jack makes the job easier. Good luck.
Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy