Tunnel Shift Rod Questions, I have searched and read a LOT.... Options

[sdoolin]

I need to install a firewall shift rod bushing. 1973 2.0 litre side shifter if it matters. Under engine shift rod easily removed with cone screws. From reading many posts about this, (and reconnoitering) it is obvious I need to install this bushing with the tunnel shift rod unbolted from the shifter and out of the way. I don't have experience with the tunnel shift rod.

My reconnoitering in the car tells me that this tunnel shift rod is finely splined to the coupler that connects it to the shifter. I need to disconnect this, slide the tunnel shift rod forward (out of the way of the bushing), install the firewall bushing, then reconnect all of that stuff.

This all sounds straightforward, except there is little room in the space behind the shifter to be able to move around in order to do this reinstall.

Can I do this with the shifter and carpet still in place? It seems like the tunnel shift rod will fall to the floor of the car when disconnected, and then retrieving it and re-installing it to the coupler, in the exact same orientation, is nearly impossible with shifter and carpet still in place. Or, at the very least, a long exercise in the creative application of adult language towards the result of increased shifting accuracy.

Any words of wisdom? I did search (a lot).