OK I figured it out from the parts drawing, the shift rod screws into it, and that was what stopped it coming out. Thanks for the link, I will have to get a manual to re-assemble and set it up, taking stuff apart is always the easy bit.You should be able to find the shop manual for your drive here: https://www.outboardbooks.com/
Dunno' about pullin' the shaft. I never dug into the lower that far.