Purchased two new front shocks for my 83 300SD. Got the front all jacked up and noticed the 12 sided bolts securing the lower shock body. Trips to NAPA stores -across town of course-netted the proper metric socket.

However, I can only remove the 'outside' bolt. The shock body is in the way of the inside bolt. After removing the upper nuts, I lowered the jack, hoping to free the top end of the shock. No luck.

I thought of torching the shock body in half, but was afraid that replacement would be stymied.

What is the proper manner to change out SD front shocks?

BTW, control arm bushings are shot. Is replacement a big deal?
Thanks.