Got the bolt about 3/4" out and then it decided to break. I heard that you can cut a hole in the interior to access it, but even if I did that, I still would not know how to get the bolt out of there. Can you guys toss me some suggestions? I'm feeling very defeated right now so any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Did the bolt break? Or did the welded nut break free?

Post a pic if u can

 

I can't supply pictures at the moment. The bolt actually broke off. The threads are still in there.

 

So the bolt broke off and you got the shackle out or the shackle is still in there?

If the shackle is out the easiest way to get the remainder of the bolt out is to weld a big nut onto it and back it out quickly. The heat from welding should help a ton. I had to do this on 2 bolts of my own.

If the bolt snapped off inside the shackle bushing sleeve preventing you from removing the shackle then it needs to be cut. I used a 6 inch cut off wheel on a grinder and it worked great. Buzz one or both ends off then do the welding a nut on the stub trick

 

I managed to get it out. I cut leaf spring as close to the shackle as I could so I could wiggle it more. Wiggling pursued until I got it out.

 

Nice! Dealing with old rusty bolts on these are always a PITA.