175 Johnson lower unit rebuild

I am rebuilding the lower unit on a Johnson 175 and I can't get the shift rod to come out of the oil pump so I can't get the prop shaft and pump out of the lower unit. this lower unit has a hydraulic assist on the shift rod. I have everything else removed from the lower unit. Any ideas?

Are you moving the propshaft in and out while pulling up on the shift rod? Sometimes they get in a bind. Use leverage with a screwdriver on the rod if needed, pull back on the propshaft, this should separate the two. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/popcorn.gif