As an update, I tried to use different lube, stuffed the top of the bushing in first, then tried the bottom, then a side. No way it was going in there, even with two locking pliers, a screwdriver for leverage and a channelock. I ended up actually damaging the bushing on one of the sides (permanent deformation)during one particularly intense attempt. Not to mention what the bracket looks like after I sandblasted it, plated with zinc and then two coats of black por-15. Bottom line - the hole in the bushing is no longer concentric, so instead of possibly ruining the thing, I'm going to cut the bracket and see how that works. With a spray bottle of water handy, I think I can reduce the heat after running the weld bead enough to minimize any damage to the bushing. Wish me luck.