68 C20 2wd front shock lower bolts

[cjoenny89]

I am changing the front shocks on my c20 2wd I think you guys are getting to know me too well. Finally got the top bolts out and the right studs but went to install new bolts on the bottom and when you push the bolt though the nut won't fit in. I thougjt the old nuts were just corded from sitting all these years but no looks like the only way the nuts fit on is to grind the bottom half off to fit? Is this common or what happen along the way? Keep in mind this truck was parked from 1985 on until I have been working onit. Here is a picture. What do I need to do for the bottom shock bolt?