However, if you have a FWD, you shouldn't have this problem, as you don't have a driveshaft to get in your way.
My bushings were missing too when I did this the first time. Actually, all four of the bushings were missing
![:smt012](./images/smilies/012.gif)
Yes, this whole process is a major pain in the balls, especially if the car's just on jackstands and you don't have a whole lot of room to work. I had untold amounts of pain in my elbow as well. But... ummm... I guess it just makes the end result that much more rewarding
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
You didn't have to drill, BSOD, because your 02-07 joint is properly matched with your shifter. Mine is from the new body style, an 08 GH WRX, which makes the joint and bolt different. I couldn't use the 08 WRX joint because it doesn't have a place for the shifter return spring to attach to, and I don't want my shifter flopping around aimlessly. So I had to drill into my 08 shifter as fabwork to make it work with the 02-07 joint.
We need to clarify though, your shifter is for a 5spd. It's an OEM Subaru performance upgrade developed by STi, but it is not from the STi car. If it was from an STi car, your shifter would be quite different.