Anyone put Bilsteins on a 300SD lately?

The person who developed the single page, double-sided instructions that come with the shocks should be soundly beaten. I saw no schematic that matched the shocks that came in the box. Am I wrong on this?

Do I need to retain the protective plastic shock skirt, or do I dispose of it. It seems to be causing everything to bind up. Also, should I remove parts from the old shocks, like the triple donut sleeve on the rod, and transfer them to the new ones.

I can't get enough rod through the hole into the engine compartment!!! HELLLLLLP!!!!

83 300SD 174K