Hi, i just changed mine few weeks ago, i did not need spring clamps to get the shocks out either! you need a 21mm cranked spanner on the top of the shock so you can undo the spring after the shock has been removed from the car. Its relativly simple if you have the right tools! the hardest part was gettin those friggin black top mount covers on lol.
tools I needed:
19mm socket and spanner
21mm cranked spanner
set of socket allan keys
For the rears you need a number of 15mm &16mm spanners iirc
Good luck