Strut Replacement, do you need to remove the CV axle? Options

[VavAlephVav]

I'm going to replace my struts here in a couple weeks.
Not expensive coilovers, just some KYB cartridges and mounts.

from the stickied threads I've learned that you want to loosen, but not remove the top mount before you lift the car.
Then it seems you can just remove the mount bolts and the 2 bolts on the steering knuckle and it will just come right out.

but my friend thinks you have to remove the CV axle,
Do you need to take the CV, or anything else from the front end apart to get the front strut out?

I've seen that to do the back ones you need to take the seats out and remove those side panels. I'll deal with that later.