Any tips on removing the shift coupler joint from the tranny. Both roll pins are removed and it won’t budge. I don’t want to beat on it too hard and cause any damage to the shift rod.

Pic of said coupler….Click to view attachment

Mapp gas

Pipe wrench or large vice grips. Twist it as you tap on it and pull it. And, you may need to heat it.

If you heat it up considerably then quench it immediately after, it'll practically walk off by itself. Hand onto it though...if you decide to build your own brackets and shift linkage, you can cut the coupler so you can weld an arm to it to work with your shift cables.