Water pump rebuild 2002 8MSHA

[mfair]

Can someone tell me how to disconnect the shift lever on above OB?
I have dropped the lower caseing (1) but can't see where to uncouple the shift rod.
I took off the rubber mount bracket and can see a hole into the rod caseing. there is a long one piece grommet but i can't see any connector to loosen.

Thanks,
Mike

[boats.net]

There is a clamp on shift shaft just above the lower unit that has to be loosened.