When I put mine on using the heat gun I didn't use any sockets.I just heated them up real good (not cooked) with a little grease on the bar and pushed them on.Still tough to get them on there but that's what worked for me.
Both of my strut rods were bent also.Almost identical bends on both sides.I have since replaced them with qa1 adjustables but always wondered how they got bent the same on both sides.
Same thing when I installed my proforged bushings with the bulge on inside.I think the pins need to be chamfered a bit befor you slide them in.The edges are too sharp.
Us cartool ones weren't that bad to install and I'd definitely do them again,no question about it.What isn't a bunch of work when you're restoring these cars?