Rear disc shield, backing plate and rear lower control arm / balljoint bolt

[plenty]

I'm trying to get access to replace the upper and lower ball joints that are pressed into the trailing arms. RTABs are done but there appears to be play in the ball joints, so brand-new ones acquired.

As usual the Pelican Parts DIY guides miss some crucial steps. To get enough access to press out the ball joints it looks like I need to remove the disc backing plate. But that doesn't seem straightforward at all as the two 10mm bolts appear to be hidden without any way to get a 1/4 drive ratchet on them. Do I need to remove the handbrake shoes first to remove the backing plate?

Second, while the upper 18mm nut and bolt comes out easy enough, the lower eccentric bolt that connects the trailing arm with the control arm will not rotate in the hub to facilitate removal. I've tried tapping it out using a mallet and punch but it's firmly stuck. Any tips appreciated!

[grannyknot]

Get some heat into that bolt, hand held propane or MAP gas will do the trick.