while installing my rear hi-lo's and cones, the boot for my ball and cup has slipped off the cup, and is next to impossible to get into to flip back over the cup,

does it need to be there ?

Nick

No need to compress rear cones. Once shockers are removed rear arm will swing enough to unload cones allowing removal.

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1970 MkII Cooper S
1971 Clubman GT (Replica)
71 Clubbie being worked on (1275 + lots of stuff)
Moke (1275) Awaiting restoration - Currently sheets of rust holding some mechanical bits together!

The boot does need to be there, otherwise dirt and grit will get in and quickly wear out the plastic cup.
I'd just back the hilos right off, get the shaft out and see if you can get the boot back on that way.