OK so here is how it all went:
I came to realize that nearly all of the bolts needed to be hacked off. Not too hard if you got a dremel tool and a few HD cutting blades.
As I stated previously all of my ends were SHOT; and instead of replacing them with parts that eventually fail, I spend $75 for a total hookup and replaced the sway bar bushings and tie-rod ends with Super Heady Duty parts from Deeza.
I will complete this post with a bunch of pictures detailing my process in general.
**All in all it made a much greater improvement then I could have predicted. Before when I made a turn or changed lanes I seemed to feel a little out of control. I have much less shake on the the highway when cruising and less wandering too! This upgrade has firmed up the turns and sways into a solid predictable precise maneuver. It really is laser sharp, and knowing they are grease-able and really tough (as shown in the pictures below) is an added bonus. I feel like it's a different car all together! Small bumps that would normally result in "bump steer" are reduced 80%... Its remarkable how my 4runner feels as nimble and tight as a sports car. HAHAH
It would be cool to get this sticky'ed after my pictures have been added for other who are looking to improve the handling of their 4Runners.