From what I've read the stock bushings have the washers cupped inward on both sides but some of the aftermarket bushings come with instructions to mount the cupped washers facing out.
I think it depends on the design of the rubber bushing, confusing w/o directions.
Jon
The manual shows the cup holding the rubber bushing. I have heard that if you are using a harder rubber bushing or poly that you should reverse the washers so the rubber can deflect. Poly bushings are a bad idea because they can break the rods. I installed adjustable strut rods to eliminate the bushings altogether. Pics: Adjustable Strut Rods