Yes. Replace only the cartridge. I asked around where I live and the price for replacing them OFF THE VEHICLE ranged from $40/per to $80/per. I says to myself, "Bonk that noise" and rented the spring compressor from Auto Zone (you gets your money back when you return it). I had them both off the vehicle, one changed over and ready to reinstall in about an hour and a half when I ran out of decent neighbor light. (I didn't want to be banging on the other one to get the old cartridge out as it was after 9 p.m.) I came out the next morning and save for one snag (had to get a torch to cut off the top nut as it was rusted), everything was back together in about an hour.
Use this -
Strut and Shock Install - Truck Test Digest - and rent the 27036 spring compressor from Auto Zone and you should be fine.
(I say this with the understanding that you know that compressed springs are dangerous. If you do this yourself, you take all responsibility. It sucks that I or anyone else has to say this, but this is what our nation of pu$$ies have come to. Not you personally, but society in general.)