Rear Sway bar install, Trying to figure out how everything goes together Options

[roundtwo]

Trying to get prepped for all my welding needs. Id like to Pre-fit the rear sway bar so I can determine exactly we’re to mount the bushing mount backing plates. I want to be sure they’re perpendicular to the sway bar in just the right spot
1. See first pick. Do I install the bushings in the drop links first and then install the ball ends? Or, do I install the ball cups on the balls and then have them pressed into the drop links? Any tips on how to get these hard bushings into the drop links?

2. Do I simply replace the new shock base metal rod labeled #1 with #2. See second pic

I’ve read the rear sway bar mounts instructions on the Pelican Parts web site. Very helpful- He just doesn’t cover the actual sway bar assembly. Bar is 16mm. Installing on a 1970.

Many thanks.

[LefthandRev]

I used a heat gun, a dull flat head screwdriver, and a bench vice to get them started.

Open-side of the bushing first. Hold the heat gun, warm up the bushing. No higher than 200F, or you start to bubble the silicone. Push the lip through the ring and work it in slowly until about 90% (or all if you can manage) is started through the ring.

Pull the drop-arm out of the vice and with luck, the bushing will not pop off. Now, put the bushing into the vice along the thin portion and tighten it down. Using your screwdriver, inside it into the bushing and pull the lip of the bushing outward through the ring of the arm until it's fully seated.

Rinse, wash, repeat, curse, repeat, curse, repeat, curse...