No Tim - out the front. Whatever you do do not resort to using a hammer on either end of the rod or you'll spread the end and then you're in trouble...

Undo the inner end and then tighten the outer to draw the rod through slightly, then try using the spanner to pull the rod out. If it just loosens the nut take it off and pack it with washers and retighten drawing it out further. Repeat until it's free enough to pull out.

If it's seized somewhere you've got to identify where and there are only two places. Either the rod is seized in the chassis bushing or the suspension arm bush is seized to the rod.

Should you find that the bush is rusted to the rod then you might get it out with releasing fluid and time but if that fails AND you know that the rod moves in the chassis bushing you can remove it by cutting the rod through on either side of the shock absorber. That ought to give you enough clearance to remove all the remains.

If it's seized in the chassis bush I suspect it'll need cutting and drilling out by someone who really knows what they're doing!

Guy