Jim,
The bushing is necessary for the whole thing to work. It should have been included in the kit.
Also the opening is also fairly critical even if though it makes it difficult to reassemble.
I have not found an easy way to get them together, but putting the shaft in a vise seemed to help.
Fred


1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine