plastic t-case shift bushing ?????

[86_4x4beater]

while i was pulling the t-case and trans on my 86 ranger , the plastic bushing that attaches to the end of the t-case shifter on to the shift lever broke into little pieces .. so i thought no big deal , ill get one from the local auto wrecker . and all three of the bushings i found also broke apart as soon as i tried to pull em . auto parts store guy says its a dealer only item .... does anyone know of anyother way to get one other then the ford "stealer-ship" ? seems like itd be stupid to use a plastic part that get very brittle for somthing like a shift linkage bushing .. anyway any help would be great ! thanks

ps. if i cant easily get ahold of one then im thinkin ill have to make one out of metal washers and a spare nut ...but thats last resort .

 

[901wd]

Never priced one at the dealer. doubt they still have them... Washer & nut idea seems like a good one Do it!