help!! i have a shifter problem

[spladdict]

i have a '96 explorer 2wd 5speed and im pulling the transmission down to change the slave cylinder, when i removed the boot to remove the shifter i realize the shifter is held in by a stud with a nut on it. how do i get this stud off so i can remove my shifter?

 

[wesdog]

remove the nut. thread it on to the other side of the stud, as u tighten it the stud will pull out and the lever should come right off.