WTR: The tool used to replace bushing in the automatic transmission shift linkage rod. Looks like a weird pair of pliers. Is needed because the space is so tight it’s almost impossible to get your hand in there to squeeze the new bushing in place.

I have used a cherry pit removal tool with success in installing new shift bushings. The tool resembles a pair of pliers.

I have done that replacement without any special tool, never knew there was one, never thought I needed a special tool. what part of the install is troubling you? And yes, if your shifting is getting sloppy/ iffy you need to simply replace those inexpensive hard nylon grommets, or whatever they are made of.

You can put the bushing in boiling water (or use a heat gun) to soften them enough to make install easier. Ive always just heated them a little and used a flat blade screwdriver to install them.

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Jim