Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) fleetgaurd breather replacement

[CConley]

I purchased the fleetgaurd breather replacement that routes oil back to the motor at the panrail. What is the effective way to remove the the plug in the boss at the pan rail. drilling the plug and removal with a slide hammer seems like a sure way of introducing metal shavings in the pan. It looks like the power steering pump needs to be removed in order to access the plug, is this correct? Getting my 6 spd in gear at a stop is a pain in the ass, even letting the clutch out some or going to 3 rd before 1 st. Perhaps this is a characteristic of this transmission? The clutch works fine at 55k. Thanks , Chris