engine and drivetrain Trick to removing shifter?

[pmg]

Is there a trick to removing the shifter. I'm taking out my transmission and I'm stuck on the first step.

 

I've removed the circlip (part 7 below) but I can't seem to get the shift lever (part 10) separated from the shift rod it connects to. Is there a trick to this? Pulling really hard is bending the sheet metal. Disconnecting at the gear shift rod joint seems like a no-go.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2015 by pmg

[PaulTWinterton]

Loosen the allen key #18 and slide out the pin #20. You may need vise grips to squeeze and coax the pin out, depending on how long it's been in there. Tip: replace the nylon cups #8 and #17 as well as the pin shims #19. The shims are a set of 2.

This fixes a sloppy shifter. You'll be happy.

[bento]

You can also remove the platform and shift lever as one unit from under the car. It won't be step one then, however. You'll probably want to start by getting the driveshaft and exhaust out of the way first, but those are coming out anyhow to get to your transmission. Then you can get it all apart on the workbench.

Worked well for me when I refreshed the shifter as Paul described. Highly recommend doing this if the 4 speed is going back in.

[Buckeye]

+2

And be careful with clutch output cylinder removal. if it is stuck don’t pond on it hard. you could possibly brake Trans ear, which is holding that cylinder. Spray it with PB Blaster or such liquid and let it penetrate for a day or two.

Something else you may want to do is to make yourself a fixture that helps to stabilize the Trans during removal and installation if using ordinary floor jack.

[gfairchild]

After struggling for hours trying to get pin#20 out, I put an air hammer to it and it came out with ease.

[PaulTWinterton]

After struggling for hours trying to get pin#20 out, I put an air hammer to it and it came out with ease.

If the pin is mangled, replace it as well. I believe it's an inexpensive OEM part.

[pmg]

It was the pin #20 that was giving me trouble. Got it pulled super easily this morning. Thanks guys!