40 hp 1967 Johnson manual shifter replacement question

[gaffer1]

I have an electric start, 40hp 1967 Johnson Super Sea Horse, serial #J2738334, model RDS-29E. I am replacing the shift mechanism form the shift handle to the engine because of 'slop' resulting in the need for a greater throw than my control box and cables will handle.
I have removed everything into what is shown as part # 307451-"bearing , sleeve". (In the lower unit group)
Question is: How do you remove that bearing, sleeve?. I tried pulling it out with a moderate amount of pull, but don't want to force it too much.
The control box is the original Whitney (Buddo) Mark lll. The throw from full forward to full reverse is 2 3/8. The throw needed with the present sloppy shifter is approx. 2 5/8 as best I can measure it.
Any thoughts on the subject beyond my one question will be appreciated.

[1946Zephyr]

On these models, usually the sloppiness is at the link, from the shifter handle, to the shaft going into the midsection. You could shim stuff up in there to reduce the slop, or drill a small hole through each end and put a small pin through it. Push comes to shove, just replace those parts in there with new stuff.

[gaffer1]

I have already ordered new stuff, but how do I get the bearing, sleeve (the shaft going into the mid section) out and the new one in?

[AlTn]

look at the diagrams on marineengine.com and you'll get an idea of what's at the other end of the shaft

[F_R]

Maybe we don't understand the question. Do you have the 307449 shift shaft out? If you do, I don't have to tell you that you have to remove the exhaust housing from the mounts to do that. The 307451 bearing, sleeve is just a slip fit at the small end of the 307449 shift shaft. I don't know if I've ever replaced that bearing. Is it really necessary that you do so? Is it a tight fit on the shaft or something? If it is corroded and squeezed in the housing you probably will have to go through from the big end and drill it out. I would assume a long (aircraft) drill bit would be required.

[gaffer1]

You may not have understood the question because I asked the wrong one. I went to marineengine.comand found it is not the bearing I am having a problem getting out. Their pictures zoomed in on are much better than what I have. What I have out is the shift lever ***"y (278282) which includes the shift connector (308675) machine screws, washer and retainer: also the housing, shift universal (377579) with spring, seat and pin: also the lever (380329) which is the last item I have out so it appears I still need to remove the shift lever shaft (307449) and spacer (307452). So the correct question is how do I get those two pieces out?
Also, I did not see the shift lever shaft. Is it possible it is hidden inside the spacer?
You can bet I will look for it when I go out to the barn in the morning.

[F_R]

You cannot see the shifter shaft and related parts unless you remove the powerhead. Furthermore, as I wrote earlier, you cannot remove the shaft without removing the powerhead first, and then the exhaust housing from the mounts. There isn't enough room to get it out with the housing still in the mounts.

[gaffer1]

That clears that up for me.
Thanks for the help!