4-speed z-bar bracket Question

2nd guess is correct.

The Z bar has two open ends. 1 end that goes to the transmissions bellhousing has two plastic half shells that go around a ball that is on a stud that screws into the bell housing.

On the other side. The same thing only the stud screws into the side Of the body. Again, the two half plastic shells go around the ball and slide into the Z bar shaft.

Consult a shop manual or hopefully someone will post a picture.