2003 Mercury 40 hp 4 stroke lower unit

[s-m-o-k-e-y]

I dropped the lower unit to replace the water pump impeller. When I did, the shifter rod came out of the lower unit along with the seal. How do I disconnect the shift rid from the motor and is it hard to put the seal and shift rod back into the lower unit? I've ordered a new seal and seal booty to replace the old one. My serial number is 0T625451. Thanks for any help!!