As the OP let me clarify:

1. Street car, stock components

2. "Stock" style sway bar links and bushings

The original question wasn't the method to set up the links properly... it was how to get them on AT ALL.

Given the length of the bolt included I was not able to get the nut started (all this with all of the suspension components installed and the sway bar already bolted to the frame/X member above...)

Thanks for the insight though, I'm always interested in the "better" way to do things. It helps to understand the dynamics of the whole system.

I have installed a sway bar by first connecting the end links and then using a jack raised the bar in the middle so that I attach the frame bushing brackets.

Longer bolts.

No need for longer bolts. That would leave you with a pretty odd looking arrangement once you had it tightened up.

Jacking up the middle of the bar would work. Just be careful not to bend it (probably not easy to bend)

The method in post 5 works without any drama.

Mark