Removing a '74 shift rod, Is it possible with engine in place?? Options

[East coaster]

I'm removing the shifter and all linkage rods from my '74 and want to use them for a side shift conversion on my nephews 914 ('71). My question is, when removing the parts from my '74 it seemed like I couldn't remove the front shift rod (the one in the tunnel) until I removed the engine. I pulled it out from the rear once the engine was removed, but I thought it should be removable from the inside via the holes in the tunnel. I tried every angle I could think of to get it out via the tunnel holes, but couldn't find a way. Is it possible to remove it from the tunnel through the shifter hole?? or better yet, am I going to be able to install it in the '71 with out pulling the engine?? I could've sworn that I did this on a '76 I used to own, but I can't remember if the engine was in or out at the time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)