You didn't mention you're having trouble removing the front or the rear shocks. Anyway, it's easy for the front because you'll need to remove the upper control arms, the sway bar links, then slide the whole shock/spring unit out.
For the rear, it'll be easy if you have a second person pushing down the spindle hub or standing on it. Then you can slide the shock/spring unit out. If you're by yourself, place the portable car jack on the upper control arm, clamp it securely to the control arm. Place a 2 x 3 wooden block on the top of the jack. The top of wood will push against car body, thus increase the clearance for the shock/spring to slide out. Then just heighten the jack until it pushes the spindle hub down enough for you to get the shock/spring unit out. Be careful! The wooden block might pop out off the jack and hit you.