Thanks everyone.

I did succeed in getting bush on, Si spray, massage, modify the bushing pliers with a backing washer on the post to prevent it plier post from mushrooming into the bushing. With the broader contact from the washer on the bushing, it popped in with the pliers after several attempts. Truly a pain in the rear end, but I guess it lasted over 230 K.

Probably chasing the bushing down the driveway after every failed attempt, or miscue, made it a more challenging task.

I take it that the transmission lever does not come off? If it did, it would have been a simple job. Was this a late change on the W124 transmission?

Thanks again.

Marty