When I received my Billsteins, they came assembled (everything but the hardware, that is). The dust boot was already on them, but the bushing and washer were not yet on the shaft. That further reinforces what the instruction manual is trying to convey.

Here's my question, (and don't take this the wong way, but) - Why even ask?

You asked a question, you were given the correct answer, and you are still going to do whatever you want anyway.

Put on the dust cover, washer, bushing, stuff it in the hole, then put on the other bushing, washer and nut. Done.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather