93 shifter linkage

Hello,
I have a 93 Grand am with the 2.3L and a manual transmission. My shifter broke off from the linkage to the transmission so I can't shift gears. I bought a new shifter, however I can't seem to get the rubber piece from the shifter to go through the hole on the linkage to the transmission. Has anyone done this before or does anyone have any tips?
Thank you

-Brian

My c clip disapeared on mine and the shifter broke loose, same car, so i took the chance to lube everything up and with a little effort i popped it back through and made my own c clip, it should fit unless you got the wrong shifter.

the trans and shift linkage in these cars are just throw aways. the boots on the shifter cables lock up cuz the boots are made with bad rubber. i would just find new shifter cables in the junkyard and keep a constant lookout for them