rear drop link bushing ?, install issues Options

[scotty b]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) HOW ?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

My first and possibly last time doing the rear bushings (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I've spent almost 30 minutes trying to get one of these damned things on. I popped all 4 onto the ball ends of the bar and the shock mounts, but how in the hell do you get the drop links on ? You can't put the links on first because the bushings collapse under the force without the ball insde for support. I've tried the bench vise, the press, smacking it with a hammer. All it will do is cock to one side and start compressing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) I've slatherd the outside with pet. jelly, should I get that off and do it dry ? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[914werke]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Ive done it the opposite way you describe, install into the links first, use a C-clamp to compress/install onto the bar, then position and using a dead blow hammer smack the back side of the link/bushing onto the shock pin.
One hint is use the hot water trick just like the firewall bushing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)