Shifter Linkage

Installed the new re-plated shifter linkage yesterday.
There's a white bushing (which was missing making my shifter really sloppy)

So when I put it together, the bushing kept popping out of the bracket.
Called my 'Buick expert' and he says the spring keeps the bushing in... to which I reply..what spring?

I kinda remember seeing pictures of it so I did though my bag of trick.. no springs big enough. 
Then I find a throttle return spring which slips over the rod nicely.  But it 'pulls' instead of 'pushes'...
I give it a good stretch, and snip off whats not needed, compress it, slide it on and it was perfect!
Shifter feels like a new car!