I thought we had moved on, I didn't reply to his flame, and I really did change my oil, and filter, and power steering pressure line, which was a bitch, in my driveway, without power tools, or a lift, and told no one, imagine that. Anyhow - Update - Took the car back to the shop, explained the series of events and the manager replied - "so we need two new shocks". Just like that, problem solved, new KYB's going in. In retroflect (reflect + retrospection), I think they probably twisted the shafts to get the nuts off instead of holding the shafts with a hex socket and twisting the nuts. This damaged the piston causing fluid to leak. Either that or they scratched the pistons. I'm wondering though if with these KYB AGX 4-way adjustables, if they jam the hex socket down in the top of the shaft, where the adjustment screw is (without of taking it out first) if this could damage the piston somehow from the top, causing the leak?

 

What part of CA are you located? I may know of a place that can help you.

 

I think a nick or scratch on the outer surface of the piston is more likely to cause the rapid failure you experienced.

Assuming the worst case scenario... that the hex socket caught the adjustment nut and over-torqued it, I would only expect the internal valving to be damaged.

The rate at which your shocks went to shit makes me think that they gouged the piston surface trying to hold the shaft in place to drive the nut off of the top.
They probably used vise grips, leaving either a burr or a sharp edge that hacked up the outer pressure seal, causing the fluid leak and pressure loss.

That said, I'm glad to see that they stepped up and took responsibility without giving you the runaround.

 

They replaced the shocks for free ADRONICUS, no more help required, thanks all for input.

 

Got the car back today, brand spankin' new KYB AGX up front, like a scared cat on a rug, I like.

 

Super!!!