I am removing the shift gear assembly so that I may replace my broken gear lever (snapped at the pin). In doing this, I have been following the instructions in F:07:02 of the workshop manual along with the visual references provided in this post. Based on the information in the post, it appears that outatym2001 disconnected the front gear change tube by disconnecting the front gear change tube at the bellcrank. This contradicts the instructions in the workshop manual: Disconnect front gear change tube by lifting assembly out of chassis to gain access to securing pivot bolt.

So I have two questions:

  1. Does it matter the which way in which I disconnect the front gear change tube (from the front or from the rear)? I didn't love the idea of disconnecting at the bellcrank because I cannot see it and am just doing it by feel in a tight space. I am less worried about removing it than I am getting it back in place securely.
  2. It's a really tight squeeze to get the shift lever assembly up and out - what are the metal rods on the driver and passenger side of the access area? I was worried they might be hard fuel lines and didn't want to make my predicament worse by forcing anything.


Thanks,
Bill K