Arrghh. Why does everything have to be so difficult? Ended up taking a trip to Halfords to buy an obscure deep sized socket (24mm). Stripdown continuing well, although some of the bolts are really hard to undo. Got as far as the shock absorbers but the mounting nuts will not come off. They only give a 8mm stud to get a purchase on and it lasted about 3 or 4 turns of the nut before shearing. The long and the short of it is I have to get two new complete shock absorbers. Bugger (yet again!). Ordered today and should be here by Tuesday. I should be able to continue with the work and be in the position to just be able to fit the shocks and then go!