Stuck While Changing Tranny Mount

[Aenyone]

Guys,
While attempting to change my transmission mount, I'm stuck trying to get the shift rod disconnected from the tranny.
I've got the 'circlet' ring with the pointed screw off, yet the shift rod is still attached and running through the bellhousing. It's the last thing from keeping the transmission from dropping.
What am I missing?
There are quite a few differences between this post: Transmission removal made easy- been gone for awhile- thought I'd post
and the post at Clarks Garage.
Do the transaxle crossmembers come completely down?
1989 944 N/A.
Thanks....

[Techno Duck]

Disconnect the shift lever inside the car from the shift rod. You can leave the console in, just pull up on the perimeter of the leather boot and it will pop off. Its held in place by a plastic trim ring. There is a e-clip that holds the lever to the shift rod.

With the lever disconnected you now need to disconnect the shift rod from the linkage. There is 1 bolt that should be covered by a rubber boot. It is held on by safety wire that may or may not still be there. Remove this bolt, and the entire shift rod can be slid off the linkage. From inside the car, pull the shift rod as far forward as you can, it will almost touch the radio. The shift rod will still run through the bellhousing of the trans, but this gives you enough room to drop the transmission.

I personally think the easiest way to drop the transmission is to unbolt the transmission crossmember from the body (2 bolts, i think 17 or 19mm). Then you can lower the entire transmission and crossmember as one piece. Installing, i find it easier to bolt the crossmember up first, then bolt the transmission to the mount on the crossmember.

[Aenyone]

Thanks duck!
Now dropping the crossmembers involves the fuel filter... i would hate to have to mess with removing that thing.
I was missing the bolt under the boot. Goin' back out now.

[Techno Duck]

All you need to do is remove the hose clamp that holds the fuel filter to the crossmember. Nothing else needs to be removed.

[Aenyone]

Done.. ! Thanks Duck, I appreciate it.
I was hoping to reduce some of the vibration and steering wheel shake while in neutral. My motor mounts were changed about 3 years ago... going to do them again now.
I mean, my hood shouldn't be vibrating while at a redlight, right?

[Techno Duck]

Depending on the motor mounts used, the aftermarket ones go bad surprisingly quickly.

Also make sure the balance belt was setup correctly. 1 tooth off can make a big difference.

[Aenyone]

Going to check the balance belt when we change the mounts. Thanks!