Transmission linkage bushings can be put on by first removing the linkage cable and removing out outer linkage cover. The bushing can then be pull out and replaced with a new one.
With a transmission linkage bushing (specific to your car)
The linkage bushing is located under the Crowl grill. Remove wipers and grill.
Thats fairly easy to do. First block the wheels so the vehicle will not roll. Put the transmission into neutral. Go under the car and on the drivers side of the transmission pan you will see the linkage. Remove the pin holding the linkage to the transmission. The linkage should slide in and out of the transmission shift bracket easily. If not loosen the nut on the linkage and adjust it until the linkage slides in and out without binding.
Begin by loosening your 1991 Chevy Camaro transmission mount bolt. Jack the transmission up a few inches. Remove the transmission mount bolt and the transmission mount bushing. Put the new transmission mount bushing in and reverse the process.
Open the hood and pop off the transmission shift cable from the transmission linkage, then rotate linkage by hand into neutral.
The transmission linkage connects the shifting the lever in the passenger compartment to the shifting lever on the transmission. You will find the shifting linkage on the side of the transmission.
The rod you're describing is likely the linkage or a control rod connecting the transmission to the shifter. If the bushing is gone, it could lead to improper shifting or difficulty in selecting gears. Replacing the worn bushing should restore proper function, allowing for smoother gear changes. It's advisable to inspect the entire linkage for any additional wear or damage while you're at it.
You should be able to buy the linkage bushing from any auto parts store like AutoZone, O'Riely's or Pep-boys. If they do not have it in stock, they can probably order it for you. You could also buy it online.
The 1993 Mercury manual transmission linkage will have adjustment nuts on each end of the linkage. Turning the adjustment nuts will move the linkage back in forth.
Advanced Auto Sells a bushing kit
This is commonly cause when the transmission is replaced and the shift linkage is not hooked up properly. Find the shift cable on your transmission and disconnect it, then put your shifter into park. The transmission linkage needs to be put in park as well. Now that both the transmission and your shifter are in park, you can adjust the cable accordingly and reconnect it. This should solve your problem.
Wiper linkage broken or disconnected? Bad wiper transmission? Wiper Bushing. I have an '03. The wipers are crap! One goes out, once fixed-BAM...other one stops!!