first of all, my car was in a minor wreck five years ago. It was never quite the same after, and i think i need to replace the front shocks (esp. drvier side).

BUT, wehn i went to look at the other day while it up in the air, the spring doesnt meet the upper mount like it does on the passenger side, it is a little off in the mounting "cup." (the part where the upper most part of the spring meets the frame or whatever). I know I probably need to replace that part, it look a little crushed in the middle where the spring sits now, so is this an easy fix? Is taht thing rubber or something?

ANyway, is this just a problem with the spring popping out of place in the wreck, or a more serious issue?

 

it's just plastic and I have a hard time believing you could have done much damage to it.

I just spent the last 4 hours with my dad replacing the struts on my 97... I wouldn't say this is an easy fix because you will essentially have to pull the assembly out, compress the spring, wrestle with the old rusted bolt on the top of the shock and then reseat the spring.

It might be less than that but that would be my rough guess. If you've never done it before I'd say it will take you at least 1.5 hrs assuming you already have all the tools.

try this guide.