Thanks Chris,
With the connectors pointed down, there is only about an inch of clearance between the connector and the frame. So being bent to the side slightly was probably due to something getting between.
Maybe at some point, they began installing them with the connectors on the topside...
I have a BC 743b and one of the lift arms is leaking oil at the connector at the front of the cylinder. It is close to the cylinder wall where the connector appears to be welded to the cylinder.
Both cylinders are mounted with the connectors pointed down toward the ground. The one leaking...