2000 pontiac montana

anyone ever change front struts on this vehicle, looks like a real pain.

With a haynes manual and a spring compressor (rented to you for free at any autozone) you can do it yourself for about 100 bucks. You'll then have to get the front end re-aligned (~$30). Its far and away cheaper than the 3-400 you will be charged at a shop. I've looked at the manual, and its not really that different than in any other vehicle with MacPherson struts up front. Its not the easiest job (like say replacing the rear shocks which can be done in 10 minutes) but if you've got a day to tinker with it you can do it yourself on the cheap. The struts are like 50 bucks a piece (autozone).