Swapping out the gear selector, need help.
 

I believe the cable on the gear selector for the transmission has snapped someplace because the shifter moves freely from park to drive (while holding in the shifter button).
Observing the linkage at the transmission, it does not move when the gear selector is moved. :(

I got a replacement from a parts car but I had a hell of a time getting it out and had to bend a metal bracket under where the ash tray goes to get enough clearance to get the gear selector out of the car.

Are there any tricks to getting the thing out/in or is there a quick way to move remove the radio console so I will have enough clearance to get the one on my car out and the replacement in?