[Bob Moore]

Todd - That is a real bear to get out. Some times it comes out easy and most times not. It is necessary to remove the shift tube first. Remove the lower bearing (retainer clip, retainer cup, and bearing) and rotate the shift arm to the slot and drive it out (factory had a special tool for this). Be careful not to ding up the top of the tube as it has to fit back in the shift bowl on reassembly. With the shift tube out of the way, the retainer plate can be accessed.

Hope this helps - Bob