Using a disk grinder cut the old mount off, then drilled the radius arm to accept the new mount. Be sure you check the new mount and purchase the appropriate size bit if you don't have one. A little primer on the ground surfaces will prevent rust and clean the job up a bit. Comments from Kevin H. Taking the advice from Jeff M. on the Gabriel VST shocks, I bit the bullet and installed them. The following scheme works on both the front or rear.
Hand tighten the lower hardware.
Compress the shock by hand and rotate the upper end to place it in its required position. The Gabriels did require a bit of force to compress, but I was able to get pretty good leverage. I'm not sure of the force required for the other brands. After they are compressed, you rotate the shock to allow the expansion to place it in position. Tighten all the hardware per specs and your off to the races.