Alright first a little background and then my 3 questions.
So I just bought my DA about 1 1/2 months ago, it sits pretty low on some no name adjustable coilovers. The ride wasn't great when I got it, but not terrible, and had very little body roll and good steering response which I liked. But it's slowly gotten worse since I've had it to where some parts of the highway are nearly undriveable because of bounciness. I'm guessing it's just taken some time for the struts to completely go out.

So I'm going to get new struts and put the stock springs back on, which the previous owner gave me. My questions:

1: I'm capable in the mechanical area, but have heard you have to take the suspension off and to a machine shop to press part of the old setup off and put it on the new setup. Is this true, or can I do it all at home.

2: Have a friend who works at Kragen and can get me parts for a good price. Are there any aftermarket brands that make OEM style struts for a good price that aren't crap? Or can you get OEM struts from Kragen?

3: I could also go to a pick and pull and see if there's some struts for my car, but there's always the chance that they're blown or pretty worn from there. Is that a bad Idea?

I can afford the new struts, but I'm a student and could use extra cash for a rainy day.

Thanks in advance.