You don't need the extension links unless you want the disconnect feature. For me, it only takes a few minutes to remove the whole bar when I'm going wheeling so I skipped them.

Calmini doesn't send instructions for anything...you have to get them off their website. FWIW, if Calmini doesn't have the answer in their instructions, SLR probably does. I've used both of their instructions before on things since they are interchangeable for similar items.

Buy a set of 3 pickle forks from Sears; you almost surely will need them.