[armorrig]

I've been wrestling with this thing the entire morning and can't get it off. Any advice on what tool to use? I have circlip pliers but I think I need something that will open up when I squeeze the handle instead.

Man replacing the shifter bushings is a real pain.

[Richardsperry]

That's why I really think it's easier to just drop the transmission....

[BMVV_E36M]

Wow, its not really that hard.....

I found it harder putting the selector rod joint back on with a new sponge vs just taking that clip off.

Get a flat head screw driver, start poking.

[JPoland]

Originally Posted by Richardsperry

That's why I really think it's easier to just drop the transmission....

Maybe if you've done it before and know what you're doing and what tools to use to do it. Otherwise you're just getting into a different can of worms trying to figure out the best/easiest way to do all that stuff. I wouldn't drop the trans like that unless I had the parts to refresh everything inside the bell housing and a new clutch if I knew it hadn't been done yet (assuming the car is high enough milage and I wasn't the first owner).

[hencini]

Originally Posted by Richardsperry

That's why I really think it's easier to just drop the transmission....

I think you're being sarcastic?

OP, just get a small, flat-blade screwdriver (or two might make it easier) under there and pry it out of the way. It doesn't matter if you destroy it, you should have bought another one, riiiiiiight?

[armorrig]

Originally Posted by Richardsperry

That's why I really think it's easier to just drop the transmission....

Not all the way right? Just unbolt the transmission brace a little bit to move the tranny down slightly? Because my driveshaft is still in the car.

[armorrig]

Originally Posted by hencini

I think you're being sarcastic?

OP, just get a small, flat-blade screwdriver (or two might make it easier) under there and pry it out of the way. It doesn't matter if you destroy it, you should have bought another one, riiiiiiight?

Yes, I have all new parts for the shifter bushing refresh.

I actually tried prying it with a small flat head where the gap is on the clip but it would just end up pushing it around the coupler. I'll try again later prying it from the front of the clip but it seems pretty flush that there's no space to wedge the flat head under the clip. But have no choice and try til I get that sucker out.

[hencini]

Originally Posted by armorrig

Yes, I have all new parts for the shifter bushing refresh.

I actually tried prying it with a small flat head where the gap is on the clip but it would just end up pushing it around the coupler. I'll try again later prying it from the front of the clip but it seems pretty flush that there's no space to wedge the flat head under the clip. But have no choice and try til I get that sucker out.

Yeah, IIRC, I got in there with TWO small screwdrivers and it came right out...

[hencini]

Originally Posted by armorrig

Not all the way right? Just unbolt the transmission brace a little bit to move the tranny down slightly? Because my driveshaft is still in the car.

This job can be done with the DS and exhaust still in the car, but it is WAY easier with them out. But there's no way I would lower the transmission for this job.

I ended up going at it with my feet under the engine, head towards the middle of the car, and just had to do it by feel... I had a headlamp on, but I couldn't physically look at where my hands were working because I was in such a cramped and twisted position.

Check out the Pelican Parts DIY, memorize the steps and just feel around, maybe stopping every once in a while to get your hands out of the way and peer up in there... You'll get it...

[OahuMPower]

you can't try prying it as you said.. it just spins..


VERY easy.. get a small flat blade screwdriver, and place it near the opening, but parallel with the clip. slowly pivot the screwdriver one way or another to "tweak" one end of the clip off the recess, and then keep moving it around.

Voila.. you're done