I've helped install lifts on three different '12s and '13s, and the only time we had to cut plastic or remove the battery tray was when the replacement shocks weren't designed to install in the JK like the OEM shocks--I'm looking at you, Bilstein with your allen wrench stud! Not ever necessary just to pull the old shock.

 

I will take a look after I finish my morning coffee, but unless I cut the plastic, I didnt see anyway to reach the top of the shock tower. Sometimes I hate having big hands.

 

This^^^^. One great reason I hate the AEV kit. I installed Bilsteins one time, and never again. Such a joke.

You don't have to cut the plastic, but after the third time I swapped shocks, I grabbed the dremel. Why not trim it and make it easier?

 

Ten Characters

 

I didn't cut it our but I did cit the top of the shock bolt off because I had a rub/squick where it was hitting the plastic.

 

Got it replaced, and I did cut the plastic. Floor jack made it easier to hold the shock in place as I put the bushing, the washer, and the nut on.