I have a similar cylinder from Surplus Center. It is worth it. I have not had the check valves and cannot see the need for them on a top link.
I did have a clearance issue where the cylinder hooked up to the tractor. I cut off the original ball end and added a weld on ball swivel and problem is solved.
Which one did you get?
What was the clearance issue?
Did it not have a ball swivel on it?