I need to replace the front struts on my '96 SLE. I'm a n00b when it comes to cars, and I have a friend who'* going to be helping me with this, but I don't know which parts I need.

I was considering just doing the strut assemblies themselves:
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 V6 - Strut Assembly Front - BUY 1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8 V6 - Strut Assembly Front

But after doing some reading I was wondering if the Monroe quick-strut (part #17182) that has the entire assembly would be the better option?

I have done plenty of front struts. If you are a noob I would stray against it unless your friend is experienced. You need to get spring compressors and be outside or in an area where if anything goes wrong nothing is hurt or harmed. Have to weigh out how much money will be saved. even doing it yourself you need to get your car aligned. Have to outweigh the cost to the experience. Will take someone with little wrench time about 5 hours to do two.

Well, my friend has pleanty of experience with cars and has a well equipped shop to work in, so that'* not an issue.

I was more considering it from the standpoint of all the additional hardware besides the struts. I assume that if the stuff on the car is in good condition it'* not an issue. Maybe I should have someone who knows what they're doing take a look at it.

Usually if you are not getting crazy knocks or weird suspension travel and movement the strut mount should be okay.

The monroe quick struts are great, easy to install and include everything. If you buy just the strut w/o spring it will wear out sooner because the spring is already weaker. Some say it doesn't matter but i've found out first hand that it does.

Not to disagree but spring really do not go bad. They are either good or bad and when I mean I mean snapped or cracked. but yes the luxury of all new parts is always nice but no need to put money where you can spend it on something else. Welcome to the art of owning a car.

Yes if you ride around on dead shocks the springs will get spongier.