Installation of a bushing into the shift cable end of an automatic transmission, without replacing the entire shift cable end, is accomplished via a method that does not require the use of compression tools and maintains the axial alignment of the bushing with the shift cable end during installation, thus preventing deformation of the shift cable end and bushing during installation, and ensuring the proper coupling of the shift cable end and shift lever. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the bushing may be installed by radially compressing the leading shoulder of the bushing and passing the bushing through the shift cable end, then releasing the leading shoulder of the bushing so that it engages the shift cable end and secures the bushing in place. This can be accomplished by pressing a bushing into the cavity of a tool having a cylindrical member with a first side and a second side, a cavity within the first side of the cylindrical member, and an elongated member extending perpendicularly from the second side of the cylindrical member, inserting said tool into one end of the shift cable end and passing the leading shoulder of the bushing beyond and through the shift cable end, thereby releasing the leading shoulder of the bushing to expand and secure the bushing.