lower end water leak question Yamaha 9.9

[dancamp007]

I have a 1993 Yamaha 9.9 long shaft model T9.9MXHR that I do believe has developed a water leak someplace below the shift shaft boot that goes into the gear case. The air test shows air bubbles coming out from around the drain hole next to the shift shaft seals. My problem is removing the shift shaft and seals to view their condition. How much pull force do you need to apply to pull that shift shaft out? I'm really lugging on it by hand. Do I need to use vice grips and really torque on it? Perhaps wedge the the thing out? Also the little retainer doesn'[t want to budge either even with a hooked wire. It's about the break. Should this shaft and these seals pop out pretty easy after removing the phillips screw holding the seal?
Also, does anybody have a lower unit for sale?

[dancamp007]

Problem solved. The shift gasket was dirty and tilted and just needed to be removed, cleaned and reinstalled. Took a mighty grip with vicegrips to pull the shift shaft out first. Thanks for the help.