how do i remove the shifter from my transmission?

[dinjas]

I am doing the clutch in my '96 XLT with a 5-speed, but... I can't figure out how I am supposed to get the shifter out. I have removed the outer boot (well, flipped it up over the shifter anyway) and now I see a headless bolt running through the shifter with a nut on one end. I take the nut off and then...? Should I get a pickle fork or something to pop it off of there? Under the lower boot, I see 3 torx screws holding a plate around the shifter onto the transmission. They look like they would be difficult to remove though, and I dont want to take them off if I don't need to. My Haynes manual just says to remove the bolt holding the shifter and pull up on it. Anyhow, this is just about the only thing holding me up aside from finding something for removing the hydraulic line. Thanks!

 

[dinjas]

so, to follow up in case someone else runs into the same problem... take the nut off of the bolt holding the shifter and put it on the other end of the bolt. Tighten until the bolt is pulled out of the shifter. Pull the shifter up and off. Get on with your life.

 

[dkchrist]

i was just gonna say that because i have had the shifter off three times TIP: To change trans fluid remove the shifter and pour in the fluid there. If you have the trans out i would change all the fluids and slave cylinder if you already havent