Shock bushings for progressive shocks

[F6CTrider]

I just went through the rear end maintenance thing.  Replaced dampers, splines fine, new brake pads, o-rings, etc.
Found a gift from the previous owner.......I had a set of 4 new shock bushings ready to go, but found that the P.O. did not have the correct sleave in the left bottom bushing.  Much damage to the sleave that is in there.  So I had to abort and will get this all done ASAP when the parts come in.

So here are my questions:
1. Are the stock sleaves and bushings appropriate for progressive shocks?
2. How the hell do I get the old crusty ones out?  I tried changing the upper ones but gave up after an hour or so with a C-clamp.

[GOOSE]

#1....no they are not appropriate. 







#1...no they are not appropriale.  #2...spray some wd-40 (or something similar.) on them...let them sit for awhile, and that should make them easier to take out.

[F6CTrider]

Thanks so much
More home work to do......