loose shifter lever on FLHR tranny

Anybody had experience changing out the shifter lever on the left side of the tranny without removing the primary? I'm thinkin' pull the top off the tranny,along with the shift drum assembly,then pull the splined shaft out thru the top,replace the lever and push the shaft back out where it was. I got the circlip off the splined shaft(fun) . I thought she might push in far enough to get the lever off, no luck. I dont want to be out ridin' up Beartooth and have that loose lever fail on me. Mike

I couldn't get the shift pawl out thru the top without pulling the trap door so I had to pull the inner primary. mike