Just reread your post and Ive got some other suggestions.
Are you having problems with the rear or the front? On the rear the strut attaches to the lower control arm and the nut is actually welded to the shock.
On the front the shock is held by the fork and all you have to do is release the pinch bolt at the rear and push down on the suspension to pop the shock out.
Now back to the rear suspension. If youre really having that much trouble perhaps you didnt unbolt bolt that connects the trailing arm to the lower control arm. Its right by the rear brake assembly. Unbolt that bolt pull the brake assembly up and off and the rear control arm will just sag giving you enough play to get the bolt out. If it still doesnt come out youve got a busted bolt.