thanks to all for the guidance

when I took a close look at the channel, it was quite full of rust/corrosion/left-over-rubber-bits etc .. I never really paid much attention to it before, after I took out the old bushing, I just figured it was ALL out.

Last night, I went at it with a small chisel & hammer, as well as a wire brush & after about an hour of chipping away, was able to get it cleaned out enough to get the gasket seated

I then greased it up quite well & it all squished back together

it did take a bit of finagling to get the back bracket nut on with the axle-limit strap + clamp -- I must have eventually lucked upon how to "hold my mouth just right way" !

now, to see if I learned anything from the endeavor, tonight I will see how long it takes me to do all the rear bushings on the passenger side !

I may go purchase a small wire brush/disk to attach to my drill, which I think may make cleaning out the channel a bit quicker.

thanks again

tim