I've been searching the web for some sort of direction with this issue and keep finding conflicting instructions. When driving my Samurai the other day, it ended up getting stuck in 3rd gear, and the shifter is very sloppy. So, after doing some reading and checking out sites I ordered the Spidertrax Shifter Fix Kit.

http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Spidertrax-86-89-Suzuki-Samurai-Shifter-Fix-Kit-p-20541.html

When I popped out the shifter lever, I noticed there was nothing sitting on top of the ball, and the socket that the ball sits in is actually machined into the assembly. Is this bushing supposed to sit on top of the ball? if so, I'm confused on how to actually get it on top of ball. The shift lever and ball don't seem to seperate.

FOUND A GOOD THREAD!

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090102/feature_hawkshifterpinfix.htm

Can't figure out how they got that bushing on the ball though.

Scratch this thread. The shift lever was welded together at some point before I bought it. Just went and grabbed one from the bone yard. Bushing slid right down the handle like it was supposed to.

Problem solved.

Some people will weld anything.

It's been an interesting ride so far. I got the rig pretty cheap, but it was overheating and leaking anti-freeze. Replaced hoses, leak stopped. Went to replace thermostat.. didn't even have one in it. No wonder it was getting so hot out here in AZ. Went to replace the shifter bushing, didn't have one of those either, the bolt was replaced with a standard bolt and no bushing. I found half-assed work done everywhere so far. I'm so glad parts are cheap for this thing so far. Now it runs perfect. Only 56k original miles and everything is back to running smooth. Aside from the AC/Blower motor which doesn't even turn on and the radio mount missing,I can't complain for 800 bucks.

Glad you got it figured out.... nice looking little Sammi ya got there.... 

For the AC/Blower motor check the switch.  On my old SJ it didn't work in high, only on the bottom two speeds.   Some time with sand paper and the contacts and it started working again.