Drum to Disc MC Issues

Oops, sorry guys, violated first rule of help requests! ‘68 Barracuda. I’ll edit my OP. There was no spring but there was a dust boot. I had a brand new in box early 90’s NAPA remanufactured drum/drum master identical to the one I just pulled that came with a new boot AND the little rod retainer rubber thingy which I had just ordered for ridiculous shipping cost.

So, can I just jam the rod into the master from the firewall side? Don’t want to unbolt that damn rod though. Should put a little silicone on it help it slide home?