I was having play on my gear shifter. I previously adjusted the gear select indicator so it would always start in park. Anyway, decided to tear into it a little more. Removed instrument cluster and found play in the the lower bushing on the gear shifter column. Getting up and down play and a little side to side in the gear shifter column at the bushing when I move the shifter slightly. Anyone ever replaced these without taking apart the whole dash more than I already have. I attached a photobucket pic. The bushing is in the center of the pic around the gear shifter column. Also, anyone know if I can start my truck with instrument panel unplugged? Not plan on driving it, just wanted to move it slightly. Thanks for any input, Part numbers would also be great if anyone has them handy.

bushing picture by galexander - Photobucket