In case someone ever runs into this same problem, here is how it was solved:
After receiving a replacement bolt I ended up cutting off the bolt head in the picture and attempted to drive the bolt out in the opposite direction. Well, that completely seized it in the bushing and after hours of trying I couldn't get it to budge in any direction. That's when I said F*** IT, and drove the truck to the mechanic, hoping that they could use an air hammer to drive out the bolt. Apparently air hammer didn't work and long story short, they had to cut the coil bucket out.
Luckily, the bushing that is in the rear knuckle is replaceable and as I found out could be pressed out without removing the knuckle from the vehicle by using a ball joint press.
So, if someone ever ends up in this situation here is what you need to do:
- Support the coil spring bucket with a jack
- It's not a bad idea to support the knuckle with a second jack as well
- Depending on the tools available, you may be able to simply cut the bolt around the bushing. If not, you will need to literally cut your coil spring bucket as close to the bushing as possible and then cut the bolt out.
- Slowly lower the jack supporting the remainder of the coil bucket
- Remove the spring
- Rent a ball joint press at your local parts store
- Press out the seized bushing from the knuckle
- Press in the new bushing you got from Nissan (about $40 Canadian)
- If you were able to save your coil spring bucket then re-use it. If not, get a new one. Apparently only Nissan carries this part and it was about $80 Canadian.
- reinstall the spring, raise the coil bucket, insert the new bolt into the bushing and done.
- Most likely you wouldn't be able to save the old coil spring bucket and quite possibly you would need to cut out the other end it of it too.
Apparently all my camber bolts are seized as well, so I am arming myself with cutting disks and saw blades and ordering the new lower control arms for all 4 corners. Hopefully the weather will be nice this weekend.
So far, this 2" lift project has been nothing but a huge nightmare but I love the new stance and ride of the truck.
Funny enough, my mileage has improved immediately after replacing the sagged rear springs. City driving, it went from 18.5L/100km (12.7mpg) to 15L/100km (15.6mpg). And that's without an alignment!
