Air chiseled the rest of the outer shackle off.

 

Just did my shackles today also. after pb blasting it for 2 days they both came off intact but still a pita

 

But WAIT-there's more! Another metal shell to cut out. Then tear the bushing off.

 

Haha yea man. I pb blasted and heated them up. Just the dang driver's side wanted to be difficult.

 

NOW YOU ARE FINALLY TO THE TROUBLE-MAKER. (the metal sleeve that rusted to the bolt)..... I guess I got a "little" lucky and didn't have to cut into the sleeve and pry it off of the bolt, because I was able to break it free by air chiseling it. Here is what a shackle looks like when it's demolished.

 

Wow... Well atleast I Know what might happen when doing my lift. She is looking amazing gives me motivation to get mine done sooner. Great job!

 

Thanks a bunch. Get a build thread so we can follow! :-)

 

After 5 hours of messing with the shackle finally got the rear done!

 

I was only able to get one lower bolt for the swaybar links out so one side has the jks quick disco, and the other side has a fixed link I had sitting around. Gonna find a tie rod puller to get the passenger side out.

 

Done!

 

Went wheeling today. The guard dog tires did fantastic. Went through some pretty watery mud and they clean out well.

 

I need to relocate my brake line brackets so I can disconnect my swaybar and get more articulation without having to worry about tearing them out.

 

Some aftermath pictures.

 

Lost my 4.5" fixed sway bar link while wheeling the other day, so figured it was time to tackle my stuck passenger side sway bar link bolt. I had to rent a pitman arm puller to get it out. Then I put on my other jks quick disconnect.

 

Trimmed the plastic and front bumper endcaps, with a heated up utility knife.