help needed-replacing the shift rod coupler bushings

[fredmeister]

===============HELP ADVICE WANTED=============

I removed the rear tranny shift rod coupler and am trying to replace the plastic bushings that are held in the diecast aluminum housing. I am trying to figure out how to push out the steel pin that is pressed into the splined steel yoke that is captured between these bushings.
I tapped on it hard with a hammer and punch and it don;t budge.

I had researched the forums already with the search feature and cannot find any specific forum post that deals with removing this pin and replacing these particular bushings. I don't have a press at home but a good bench vise and some hand tools.
How do I remove this center pin? Don;t want to break the aluminum coupler housing in the process.

Fred

[emac]

Fred
You will need two sockets, one just about the size of the pin the other a little larger.
Place the one that is the same size on the pin and the larger one on the coupler itself and here is the hardest part. Getting them in the vice. Once you do as you close the vise the pin will start to push through. Take your time and watch that you have them aligned so one of the sockets dont fly out at you. I did mine in about 10 minutes. Reinstall in reverse

[doublestuff]

FWIW, I took mine into the manufacturing shop where I work, and tried to do it with a hydraulic press. Succeeded only in breaking the coupler. Bought another (used) coupler, used a big punch, a hammer, and a conveniently sized seam in the concrete garage floor, and had it out in about three hammer whacks. I just placed the coupler over the seam in the floor so the pin had a place to come out the other side of the coupler. It wasn't hard at all, although I may have just gotten lucky, so try it at your own risk!

[dfink]

Hammer and punch with something to support the couple as mentiond above. Have used it few time no problems so far.

[efhughes3]

You got the answers above. But be careful, this forum is littered with reports from those who broke theirs. Mine came out with the sockets and using my vise as a press.