I'll have to do a clutch replacement soon. No problem, I've done them before, but on the older cars. While the grubby side is identical, I'm trying to figure out how to remove the plastic bits on the center console and shift gaiter without damaging them so I can take out the stick. Haynes is no help here. Any tips?

Thanks,

Bram

Don't have to take out the stick. Look at the shifter from the underside of the car. There is a pin through the bottom of the stick that attaches it to the trans shift rod. It is locked in place with a set screw. Remove the set screw and push out the pin. Now, note the rather large snap ring around the bottom of the shifter bracket. It is horizantal. Remove the snap ring, and push the round bushing up and out of the bracket. Sometimes some coersion is required but once out, the stick stays out of the way and you don't have to take the console apart. The OD/reverse light wiring unplugs from the bottom as well. Straight foreward job. It helps if the crossmember is lowered a bit to get the shifter out.