Hmmm.
I've never really thought of that.
Edit: you don't need to move the shaft to check. The master cylinder pushrod has a bunch of 360° freedom, so it can be slipped off or over that pin.
I always pulled the pedal box as an assembly, but if you have only taken the nut off the left side and removed the pedal, the 7A554 arm/pin should still be clipped in to the master cylinder pushrod?
... I'm not sure what all was done to install the automatic in the first place, except you've obviously swapped the column.
Is the clutch pedal still attached and flopping around without a spring?
Is the master cylinder still there covering the hole in the firewall?
You just want to check for play between the master cylinder pushrod and the pin you can see as part of the cranked arm (7A554) above.
If it's good leave it until there's an issue.
If it's sloppy you can feel the groove with your finger by moving the pushrod to the side.
Taking off any 40 year old piece of plastic is likely to destroy it. That ~$7 assortment is less than the dealer would get for one bush (if they're still available)
Farm/construction trucks see a lot of muddy, gritty boots and once that plastic wears through the metal grinds a groove.
This needs to get fixed before replacing the bushing, but yours may not be bad if it hasn't seen hard use or lived much of it's life as an automatic.
Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.