Shift rod linkage cover, How hard is it to change out Options

[Thunderchief]

My shift rod linkage cover has a crack and is leaking. It looks like I'll have to disconnect the rear linkage to change it out? Is that difficult to do? Also, which lubricant and how much do I use when I do? Thanks as always.

[914werke]

Umm no.
The best way to replace the seal is to pull the console which means draining the oil.
Yes if you've never done its its probably a good time to change it with fresh 80-90 weight dino oil.
Once out you remove the roll pin from the fork end of the shaft.
A trick I learned from Mike- since that end has always been bathed in oil it shouldn't present any issue with its removal vs the ball end which can be corroded & a problem to remove.
Slide out the shaft, keep track of the nylon washers top/bottom then using your handy seal puller pop out the caged bush, clean then drive in the new one & reverse assemble as they say.