[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Remove the shift rod from the hole. You'll never get the bushing in with the shift rod still in there.

Heating the bushing in very hot water makes it more pliable. A hair dryer probably would do something similar.

Some folks have cut a slice in one side of the bushing to get it to go in. I'd be cautious of that; it would seem to build in a place for the bushing to start breaking up or wearing out.

--DD