There is a rod with a 90 on the end that comes through the rubber boot and connects to the hood, support the hood, remove the C clip on the end then remove the 90 from the hood. The bracket the strut attaches to can now be extended to relieve the tension on the strut, remove old strut and install new strut then use a 1/2" ratchet handle to compress the strut and reinstall the 90 into the hood. There is a slot in the bracket near the top of the strut that fits a 1/2" drive ratchet.
Go to the local auto parts store and get a Monroe 901457 strut, same size and specs as oem without the price. McMaster Carr 4175T5 is a stainless unit that has the same specs you have to use the ends from the old strut.
Ratchet straps have been know to work but if they let go or slip off at the wrong time all hell breaks loose. Using the above method the strut can be a one man job done in about 15 mins.