Shackle bolt issues

[JIGAWHAAT]

As far as wrecking the threads on the bolt, I guess I am missing something here. Why worry about that? Your new shackles came with new bolts correct? As far as the bushings, Yeah there is a good chance you could destroy your stock ones. Mine survived. If you need new ones, Your local auto parts store may not have them in stock but can more then likely have them next day.
JIGA

 

[Paraphoe]

Yea, I'm not sure why I'm worried about the stock bolt, haha. I guess if it mushrooms it might be even harder to get out.

The bushings sound easy to get so I guess I won't worry about that.

Thanks again for all the help guys, not sure what I would do without this board.

 

[1996xlt]

I know when I did my shackles I used my hitch as a jacking point (jack stands under the axle of course) and jacked it up just enough to get some weight off the springs and they popped right out.

 

[PRS]

a couple of 2x4's and a breaker bar is what it took to get mine out, not to mention the 2 jacks