After being unable to remove the rear shocks, i cut them off and discovered the rubber bushing had melted to the metal. The bushing is still stuck on and the metal is rusted to the bolt. Should i bother removing the rubber or just remove and replace the bolt?

 

welcome to the board.

if i understand what i'm looking at, then you'll need to remove the whole thing in order to get the new one on.

 

that mangled sleeve you have been banging on is supposed to release from the pin. if it will not then you will need to replace the pin.

you could dremel a slit through the sleeve and peel it off like a banana.

 

/\..yep..been there and that was the reason I bought a Dremel and it turned out to be the best freakin tool I ever had in my tool box!
That "pin" will come off from the rear spindle assembly..and you should be able to get a new one at the Mazda dealership.
Looked it up: PART# 28-398 (F044-28-398) in section 2830 of the parts catalogue.
Foxed.ca

 

i'd probably try to see if it will come off the pin first, if the pin is so rusted to the spindle that it won't come off there then you'll be pretty much boned at that point.

 

I agree too,,worst case scenario is busting that pin off(oh no..) and getting another assembly.
If you are handy with a cutting disc you can get that crap off though..Just take your time.
A chisel would be handy too.