911sc Shift Coupler Play
 

Following the advice of my mechanic, I'm upgrading to a factory short shifter. I also ordered some new bushings for the shift coupler, figuring that 37 years and 114k miles might have taken their toll on the originals.

When I pulled the access plate, reached in and gave the coupler a wiggle - there was indeed noticeable play in the coupler between the pin and bushings. "Great", I thought. I ignored the warnings that pressing out the pin without the proper tools could result in a broken casting - drilled a hold in a piece of hardwood, used a 8mm socket as a drift, and a bench vice to press the pin out. Went off without a hitch; some force needed, but not enough that I was worried about damaging anything.

Then I opened my new bushings (https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/91142422303.htm?pn=911-424-223-03) and checked fitment. They fit into the coupler just fine. I then checked the fitment of the pin in the bushing. If anything, there appears to be more play than the old bushings. I expected essentially no play between the pin and bushing.

Is my expectation incorrect, or perhaps a bad part? I'm aware there are replacement couplers out there (WEVO, etc), but had hoped to avoid a $9 project turning into a $200 project.