Johnson 88 SPL shift linkage sticks in forward

My 1989 88 SPL won't always disingage from forward to nuetral. I found pieces of a bushing in the lower engine housing and felt some slop in the linkage where the cable connects. Disconnected the cables (they feel smooth) and see a clip but when I pulled the clip the linkage won't come out. Parts diagram shows a bushing (the one in pieces in the lower housing ) a rod keeper bushing, and the shift rod lever attached to the rod where the bushing needs to be replaced. I can't reach the bolt in the shift rod lever with out removing the lower carb. I don't see any way around that. Does the rod keeper bushing wear out as well?
The shift linkage still feels a little sloppy making me think the rod keeper bushing is worn also. This engine is new to me so I am also concerned about the rod running down to the dog on the gears in the lower unit. Do I need to remove the lower unit?

Here's another attempt at the picture. The bushing goes just to the left of the cotter pin.

I disengaged the shift rod today after getting fuel lines lower carb and front lower cover off. I decided that there is not any wear on the bushings. Reassembling tomorrow and will see if I can get the adjustments made with the shift cable adjustment.
Then on to thermostat replacement. No restriction, flowing out pee hole upon starting engine so one or both thermostats are failing.

Thanks again Pappy. I'm replacing the thermostats needlessly, however since it's apart I am going to do it. I could see that they had not failed once I took them out. I will look at the idle to determine if it can be reduced. That would be great. I'll grease the cross shafts bushing too!