lol, i just take the ---- off the shifter at the console, then theres 2 bolts that hold it in place underneath. make sure your front end is jacked up at least 4 inches higher than stock, and the entire linkage will come out with the tranny/motor. its a ---- ton easier that way than doing it while in the car.

hope it is something in the linkage, because like bone said, if it ain't sucks to be you and your friend

 

did you have the hood pushed all the way back, like at a 90* to the horizon? How bout an engine load leveler to twist it around a little? I've done it twice that way, with the car sitting on its own weight on top of 4"x4"s

 

never meet a bith pin I couldn't get out........

PSSSSTT, BRRRAAAPPPP, ding ding.

Air Chisel FWT.

 

I dropped my trans with the linkage attached so i had more room to use a punch and hammer.

Air chisel is definitely the way to go though.

 

I use a flat faced punch, never failed me. There is a good level of suckiness involved in the process though.