struggling with connecting the wiper rod...pics!

Real late, but incase someone is doing a search like I am...
The trick is to boil the plastic washers for 5-10 min. That softens them up enough to get them to go on ALOT easier. Still may need to use pliers/Channel locks, but it will snap in much easier than not boiling them.
Also- you can get these bushings at autozone etc in a pack of assorted for about 5 bucks. Only 2 will work. The other 4 are for gm/ford. The pack I bought is in the HELP section. Part # 49447 at Autozone. Dorman parts.