When we run into a "no room" situation like this we plasma cut the shock dirt shield and then split it so the rod is exposed. Then the rod is cut and a hex nut welded to it so the rod turns in the nut rather than the nut on the rod. You say you have doubts on the nut condition so could you heat and bend a SIX point box end wrench to fit onto nut? Just another option which may or may not work for you.
