I just replaced the rear coupling and the front bush on my shifter rod. The rear coupling was Brazilian and a bugger to fit as the opening was too small for the rod. I fixed that with a file and then realised that I could have used the old metal housing DOH!. I had to manipulate the rod all the way forwards to get the front bush on (Contortionists nightmare) but could not figure out any way to get the clip on. There just was not enough room for pliers when the bush was in place and even if I could get in there the clip keeps slipping off. Anyone know if I HAVE to have the clip on it or should I just forget I did it and be blissfull in my ignorance. I am only asking as the bush was $25 and the more substantial rear coupling only $20.

If you mean the bushing that sits in the tunnel just behind the gearstick, the way I have always done it is, completely remove the shiftrod, stick the clip on the bushing first, then insert it in the hanger and shove the shift rod in again through it.

Looks like I will have to take it all apart again. How tight is the shaft once it is together? Just wondering how difficult it will be to slide back again

Its normally tight to get in.
Put heaps of lube on the shaft before you slide it in.

^ lol

Yeah its usually pretty tight. I have sometimes needed to stretch out the bushing and clip before i put it in the hanger.