Issue with removal of lower control arm bolt

[DarkStar]

Greetings all.
I am in the process of replacing bushings and more on my '97 Sport.
It has an older (pre-2003) Pro Comp Stage 2 4" lift.
I am referring to the lowest bolt on the rear lower control arm where it attaches to the axle.
Based on the Pro Comp instructions, it is an OE bolt and nut.
I have removed the nut, but have been unable to get the bolt out of the bracket.
It is obstructed by the brake backing plate.
I have tried several angles and some mild prying with no success, then the night took over.
Is this a common situation?
Is there any reasonable solution other than removing the backing plate?
The issue has presented itself on the passenger side, but appears it will be an issue on the driver's side as well.
(I haven't managed to break the driver's side bolt loose yet to check ... more fun to be had there)
If you have any questions, please ask.
Thank you very much for any help you may provide.
Take care.

 

[Boinked]

Cut the head off and replace the bolt. I cant even imagine how the put it in backwards.

Photo of my rear bolt.

 

[DarkStar]

Thanks. That is the way I believe it should look. I have no clue how they managed to install them in from the outside. I purchased it with the lift already installed. Other than Jeep, where is the best place to acquire OE bolts? My local Jeep dealership told me the bolts for my '97 may not be readily available. I am quite sure there will be other glitches and bolts that require replacing.

 

[Boinked]

Home depot or lowes or ace hardware. Juat make sure you use grade 8 bolts. Or Class 10.9 if they turn out to be metric thread. You probably will have the best luck at ace hardware.
From your profile it says you are in Virginia. Google nut and bolt shop. With all the shipbuilders out there im sure you have a few hundred.

 

[DarkStar]

Thanks. Are you suggesting that in place of the OE flanged nut and flanged bolt, that flat washers be used with a "standard" nut and bolt?

 

[Boinked]

Thanks. Are you suggesting that in place of the OE flanged nut and flanged bolt, that flat washers be used with a "standard" nut and bolt?

I would do my best to find flanged bolts and nuts. But with the proper grade of Bolt and nut flat washers will work.

If your nut has grooves on it to act as a lock washer you would need to add a lock washer. Many aftermarket parts replace bolts with the simpler set up.

 

[DarkStar]

Thanks for all your help.
I've got the gist of it.
I will do my best to preserve what I have and get OE bolts to replace what is needed.
I will figure out what is left.
I am sure I will discover many more fun things once I move to the front-end.
Take care and keep safe.
PS: Based on another post here on wranglertjforum, I found a possible online source for the needed bolts; belmetric.com.

 

[DarkStar]

I managed to get most of my hardware from Jeep; the rest is coming in from Belmetric. I am in the process of reassembling the rear suspension. Thanks for the help. Happy New Year.

 

[DarkStar]

This is an update on my progress with the rear suspension.
I have everything assembled and torqued. I did have to cut off the axle side LCA bolts.
Belmetric had the remainder of what I needed at a good price with quick shipping.
I do have one problem left, but have started a new thread for that issue.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/bump-stop-bolt.17700/
Thanks for the help.