1) Pull the boot and the insulation up so you can see the top of the transmission.
2) Between the shifter lever and the cast top plate of the transmission is a ring that can be pressed down.
3) Press it down and turn it 1/8 counter clockwise.
4) The retianer should come out with the shifter.
I had the same trouble the only thing to realize is that the top plate of the transmission has a cast tower on it. I used 2 flat screw drivers to press and turn the retainer.
Scott