Where did you disconnect the fluid lines from? I've been sitting with 5100's in my garage for a few weeks dreading this install. I don't want to get hurt by the pressure or have hyd fluid all over my garage.
I just removed my XREAS and it was not all that difficult.
Get all 4 wheels off the ground. I started at the rear support bracket that sits behind the wheel, there's a junction point there , undo the 12mm bottom-most nut slowly and let it leak into drain pan. For the corresponding front wheel undo the union bolt at the support bracket (not at the shock). Cover bolt with rags while loosening slowly and let it drain gradually.
Then just follow the lines and undo everything along the way. I cut sections of the hard lines after to make removal easier.
No violent spraying, maybe there's a better way but this way worked well for me.
Removed at 295,000 KM, there were no leaks yet but the system was tired, shocks were pretty worn and springs had noticeable sag. Didn't corner well and didn't track well at highway speeds. Rear shock sleeves were rusted and falling apart similar to the pic posted earlier.
Removing the shocks was a whole other story, seized nuts had to be torched to get them to budge, with assistance of some foul language LOL
My rear sway bar end link nuts were completely seized as well, to get my rear springs removed I undid the sway bar mounts on the rear axle.
Moral of the story, don't wait too long to remove XREAS components if you're in the salt belt.
Truck drives like new with KYB shocks all around and MOOG 4runner springs.
Control arm bushings and cam bolts are all seized so those are next on the replacement list.