Milano Shift Linkage Question

[Robert_A_Brady@domain.elided (Robert A Brady)]

For a net-impared friend:

Bob, could you plse post this for me.. do you have any ideas?

The external linkage on my '87 Milano broke: the small ball and socket (abt 
10mm diameter) at the tranny disengaged, leaving me in the 3-4 gate.
I looked at it, I am hoping I can get to it just by disconnectins the front 
of DeDion and dropping it a few inches.

Of course, tehre's nothing in the shop manual..

- -is this a common flaw? 
- - what's the minimum I need to take apart to get to it? - hints/tips/advice 
plse?
TIA
Jan in NJ  (boy I wish I could post to AD!)
email: ben@domain.elided

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