any one know of a good replacement for an aftermarket shift lever for an 87 LT250R   

The internal spline is worn out so it rattles and is very slopy. 

If its the same as the 500 then yes they are still available new.

Does anyone know of shifters from any other bikes that fit? I'm looking for one too locally...I think I read somewhere that a banshee shifter fits but I have never been able to try it.

banshee shifter does not slide on, the spline are different.

thought about smacking it on with a hammer but im not going to risk messing up my shift shaft.

Moose Racing Part#1602-0174
Yamaha ATV Raptor YFM 700 (06-08)

Here is the pic you requested and some others comparing the Moose racing vs my modified stock one and the last pics of Moose vs Mine vs stock.
The Moose one did require some bending in the vise but that may have been because it was used on a 85/92 hybrid.
According to my Microfiche cards 85-86 used a different shift shaft #25510-13A03 than 87-92 #25510-01C00 however 85-90 used the same shift lever #25611-19A01 while 91-92 have shift lever #25611-01C10; from this I assume all year quadracers will have same spline shaft.
When I find out the specific difference between 85-90 lever and 91-92 lever I will update. Currently I don't know the exact difference but can only assume it is minor.