You know what causes grinding and sloppy shifting?

[AirHead1966]

This does. Yikes!

Wonder when it was last replaced. Good thing is that my shift rod bracket is fine.

[67rustavenger]

Where's the tension ring for the bushing?

Good thing you found the worn bushing, before it wore through the shift rod bracket.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[AirHead1966]

The tension ring was still on the rod when I pulled it out. Still usable, not stretched. I reused the same one. Fits fine.

[frenchroast]

Those bushings just don't last; I'm on my third one in 54 years!

I install them with the slit pointed up so I can squirt some triflow in there once in a while. Wheel bearing grease is o.k. but the triflow is much smoother. Also check the coupler under the back seat. Mine is the original and in great shape but they can wear out.