Can I use a shorter bolt when I replace the harmonic balancer of a 1993 Mercury Topaz 4 Cyl.?

I have a 1993 Mercury Topaz and need to change the Harmonic Balancer (the thing that makes it rattle in drive) I have read that the engine would hve to be tilted down cause the bolt is too long, but I was wondering If I could just pull the bolt out as far a I can then cut it, pull out the rest and then when I pit on the new one, just use a shorter bolt. (pretty smart huh, well if it works)