Ahh yes those LCA bolts. I can say that I broke my first socket ever trying to get one of those suckers out. I think for us rust belters with a few winters under their belt the only way the LCA bolts are going to be an option is if you just buy new LCAs and get ready for some cutting. On the plus side I believe the new LCA's have reinforced sway bar linkage mounts.
Glad to see you got it all together! I too took a LOT more time than I thought just messing around with the rear springs. Your experience helped though because after getting the compression tool you suggested and making a spacer I was able to get the them out eventually.
