I had to throw up the white flag. I had all the right tools and got the left sway bar link for $50.

When I tried to remove it I had no problems getting the nuts off the bolts. What I couldn't do, however, was get the bolts to come out of the holes because they weren't lined up. I would get them out partially and then nothing other than getting a saw to cut the links would do it. I had to button it back up and take it to pep boys. .9 hours of labor..$95. Oh well.