Shifter update and clairification

[J123fs at aol.com]

To clarify, as after talking to Ron and a couple other folks I should say  
I'm NOT R&R'ing the plastic ball and socket down under the shifter  boot, 
but replacing the METAL ball and socket that attaches to the input  shaft ON 
the tranny- specifically on the drivers side of the bell housing,  NOT down 
under the shift boot in the console (had that out in 10  min.)
I have removed the unit from the trans input shaft, and removed the smaller 
 upper linkage that is attached at the other end to the bell housing. The 
whole  deal is free and loose I just need to remember how to get the linkage  
arm out to replace the wear items. But, I will be dammed if I can remember  
how to get the whole shah bang out of the tunnel and into my hands to 
replace  the metal ball socket and cup assembly.
I'm guessing I need to remove the center console and pull the whole unit  
out along with the accordion boot out through the interior????? Doesn't look 
the  way out is via the engine side, the header is in the way.
It's been 15 years since I did the last one, and that was on a 5000TQ...so  
my mind is slipping...they say the memory is the first to go...
Thanks in advance for any input!
Jack