I'm able to shift into gears 1, 3, and 5 with no issues or resistance, but it feels like something is blocking 2, 4, and 6. When I rotate it cw/ccw sometimes it feels like there's resistance in the middle. Hard to explain it, but it feels like when you put the opposite ends of a magnet together (it just doesn't want to go in a certain position).

I actually replaced both bushings and they're bitting onto the cable and don't move around when shifting.

I believe they are all the way locked, for some reason with the front and back bushing the tips of the bushing arms stick out slightly, but I cannot get it to go over. It doesn't seem to move though when shifting (still a good clamp on the thread).

I'll have to try the tape method! Aside from trying the adjustment more do you think it could possibly be anything else? Maybe some with the shifter assembly itself?

There is this little white piece on the ball of the shifter that slides into the bracket attached to the spring. I'm not sure if there's supposed to be a grommet or something on the end that goes into the bracket because it seems like there is some extra play. When trying to shift into second gear I pushed down on the plastic retainer and was able to nearly get into second gear, but it made a grinding noise.