The pin (spindle) is out.
After a slow approach to learn what might happen ... I used muriatic acid and heat.
- I also had modified a lag screw to fit into a drill. By grinding down the head on two sides made something to rapidly tap on the end of the pin. This may have contributed to the acid penetration?

DANGER DANGER: Muriatic Acid is a variant of Hydrocloric acid. Fumes and contact are damaging, and I assume lethal under some conditions. ALSO Muriatic Acid in contact with rust creates explosive hydrogen gas. LOOK IT UP!

- Cut strips of old T-shirt and wrapped the pin between the clevis and base of the shift lever.
- Using a syringe (guessing 18 gauge) apply 100% Muriatic Acid to the cloth until it is saturated and starts to drip. I did this for 6 days until I got to a result. The cloth dissolves and has to be replaced

- On the 6th day I removed the cloth strips, and attempted to twist the pin with channel locks pliers ... it did not budge.
-- dripped 100% muriatic acid on top and around the pin and squirted it into the set screw hole.
-- set a garden hose on mist above the heat shield (tried to upload Pic of heat shield but the website would not take it ??).
-- applied a propane torch directly to the pin ends and between the clevis and base of the shift lever. I saw what appeared to be gas erupting from one end of the pin shooting out maybe 1/8" ... I assume this was hydrogen combustion.
-- attempted to twist the pin with channel locks pliers and it moved.
-- using a metal bar to hold the pin steady on the passenger side and prying between the clevis and base of shift lever with a large screw driver, the pin slid.
-- grabbing the end of the pin and pulling while holding the clevis with my hand the pin slid out with out resistance.

My assumption is over days of saturating around the pin with muriatic acid it worked its way into the gap surrounding the pin at the base of the shift lever. By applying high heat the combustion of hydrogen gas on the binding surfaces removed something or blew out the holding rust.

-- use the syringe to spray the entire clevis and base of shift lever with solution of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid.

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1988 244 DL; B230F; LH-2.2; Manual 5-speed (M47)