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How irreplaceable are these upper/inner bolts? I haven't done this so I do not speak from experience, but from what you're saying, they were just assembled going the unnecessary "wrong" way. Is it a viable option to cut them off and replace with new ones going the more easily accessible way?

The lateral links? Yes, dozens of us have replaced them. The two rearward ones can be changed in a couple of minutes. The two front ones are a different story. GM stupidly installed the inner bolt on each from the front and they hit the fuel tank before coming out. Either the fuel tank or the subframe will need partially dropped to get it out. When going back together, make sure to stick that bolt in from the rear so they will forever be easily replaceable if need be. Also, if replacing lateral links, get 2nd/3rd gen ones. They are tubular and don't bend like spaghetti noodles like the 1st gen ones do (as you've now found out). Setting rear toe on alignment is also MUCH easier and more accurate as the 2nd/3rd gen rear links are adjustable.