Still can't get one of the struts off. A real pita...

and no, the pry was high quality stuff.

thanks for the input

Once you have the old bushings out (I removed mine with help of a Sawzall, carrier in vehicle), you'll see two "nubs" that were factory-dimpled onto the cylindrical section of the subframe. Those nubs align with the two grooves in the outer rubber coating of the new bushings.

TIP: before installing the new bushings, put them in the freezer for an hour. Choice of lubricant seems to be controversial -- kerosene, grease, dishwashing detergent all have their advocates and drawbacks. The former may degrade the rubber. The latter are said to allow the bushings to release later. As for me, I had no trouble with detergent.

As for the shocks, I have no first-hand experience. Maybe you were using an "import" prybar? It's hard to draw the line on where you can get away with cheapies.