Are your linkage rods AT the trans levers clevis joints, or the more common 90 degree bends on the ends of the linkage rods? SOME years have clevis joints there, which would take no bushings. If you have the plain jane, 90* bends, those might need the bushings.....but again, afaik, they dint use bushings from the factory on the Corvette.

Now the plot really thickens! At the trans joints I seem to have the plain jane 90 degree bends on the forward most and rearmost lever (3rd-4th shift lever and reverse shift lever)  The middle one had a clevis (actually Bubba had a bolt with a hole drilled through it for a cotter pin!)  However this is actually the config the aim shows.  See below.  I ordered the Hurst  Pit Pack to see if the bushings that come with it will fit.  I will let you all know!

UPDATE - I could not find the nylon bushings at any of the Corvette Supply houses, my local parts guys or hardware stores.  However, for those of you in need the Hurst Pit Pack from Hurst had the right ones!  For $7.95 + $3.99 on handling on eBay I got 6 of them and the G-Clips.. (I previously paid $6.25 for 5 G-Clips alone form Zip!)  One step closer.  

Nope...yer not doing it wrong...they ARE a pita to get in/out, even in the air. The older cars, with the shifter actually bolted to the trans are MUCH easier to deal with.....two bolts, and done!
Thanks for the info on the bushings.....still strange why your set-up needs them....

So, got the shifter and bracket bolted back in, now trying to adjust the linkage.  Got the "positioning tool" inserted into shifter - after making my own, (the one I bought was a 3" piece of metal that would have challenged a Cirque de Soliel contortionist to get inserted while the shifter is mounted on car, so I created a longer "L" shaped one so I could manipulate from the inside of the car).  Next I dutifully adjusted the swivels on the shifter rod linkage so the line up with the holes in the shift levers while the latter were in the nuetral position.  I was able to get the 1st-2nd one and reverse ones clipped but, short of finding one of those shrinking rays they used on Rachel Welch in Fantastic Voyage,  I don't know how to get the "G" clip on the top most shift rod.  Also is there some trick to inserting these things, I've use brute force but I'm sure I'm doing it wrong???

Joel, I think I figured out why I have the nylon bushings on my shift linkage.  Somoene switched the levers that mount to the tranny with others (must be Hurst) see pic below with shifter rod attached - only one hole.  I didnt realize they were different until I started reading about guys switching their linkage to the lower hole for short throw - it was then I noticed I didnt have a second set of holes!  Oh well.  got everything back together  needs a little more adjustment but I may take it to a professional since I tried my best alreay.  I do need to change the transmission rear seal before putting driveshaft back, any hints for getting that seal off.  I notice it seats pretty far down.  It tried prying but was afraid to damage anything, maybe rent a a puller?  Thanks again!

Definitely NOT OE levers...
OE levers only had the rectangular slots. Also...original levers never had two sets of holes, either. I believe you could get short shift levers from the dealer, or aftermarket, but not from the factory...at least not on these cars.
Rear seal is an easy job. Just use a flat head screwdriver, get in behind the seal, and pop that bugger out. Not gunna hurt anything at all. The new seal will most likely have a flange/edge on it, so it will only go in so far, and it wills eat on the tail housing.