It does pop loose, try needlenose on the high number end (that is the end 100K digit, the only end with access). It is a lot harder to pop that rod out in an 85 and older unit due to the end crimp. Once free, tilt the axle with drive gears up a bit so you can set the odometer numbers where you want them and carefully loweer the rod to set the gears one by one down into the numbers. After a frustrating 200-300 attempts you will get the technique. Accept nothing less than perfectly aligned numbers. Good luck!