secret to removing Golf A2 shift rod?

[motomike33y]

followed Bentley's instructions.  unhooked pipe from manifold, got shield off pipe, removed bad seal from shift box, removed rod from front bushing/mount, removed shifter.  can't get the shift rod out.  Does the box itself have to come out?  I took out the bolts, but it doesn't appear to be movable.  Must be something I'm not doing.  ?  thanks.

[the caveman]

If you mean the rod with the splines that sticks out of the trans, that the kinda "C" shaped lever is attached with a nut too, then no . the seal can be changed with it in place. If you have and old VW wheel bolt tool, you can remove the large nut at the front and take the internal shift assembly out, but only if you are ambitious.

[motomike33y]

nope-sorry-I mean the one that comes out of the inside of the the car via the shifter console.  The one that has the shifter thru it,  w/shift know, etc. 

[the caveman]

Another time that i read your post so tired i could hardly keep my eyes open.
I seem to remember that the box has to come out the change the bushing that the rod runs through, so yes . If you get that far, take a look at the ball and socket at the bottom of the box. replace them if there is any slop.

[motomike33y]

yep, the box comes out the bottom.  then when it and the rod are out, the rod will be able to be removed. success after patience