Even easier. I never would have though of just beating on the shell to expand it slightly. Sounds like a machinist's trick.
I replaced the LCA bushing years ago. I recall first pushing on the rod with my hydraulic shop press which pushed the innards out, shearing the rubber. I then recall cutting an axial slot in the outer shell to peel it inward using a hammer and punch. Can't recall how I got the inner shell off the pivot bolt but probably cut a similar slot. Energy Suspension sold a polyurethane LCA bushing, but appears to have dropped it. Likely because many pointed out that since it slid between the metal shells, the only thing keeping the LCA from sliding backwards was the T-bar and its little wire clip in the end.