Well as noted, the pic with the blue taped new boot is inverted, I intentionally did that to help show the difference in boot diameters. I always expected to disassemble the trunnion, then slip the boot on, then reassemble the trunnion.

I have removed the old boot, and the larger end measures approx 2.5" diameter. The replacement new boot measures approx 1.6" diameter on the large end. I see no way to stretch the boot enough to fit onto the mounting flange. I was able to remove the two straps for later reuse.

Other then that, I am still at a standstill.

Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.