I'm in the process of installing shifter bushings. Im working on trying to install the bolt back through the extension rod piece on the transmission side. I cant get the bolt lined up. So it just keeps spinning. Its not cross-threaded. Any tips?

 

yea i just installed ES bushings on my EJ8 and i was having a lot of trouble too, i was having to use a rubber mallet to move it around because it was so tight. i just got in the car and ran it threw the gears a couple times and went back under and it threaded right in.