At that mileage I wouldn't expect any internal issues with the transmission, so I wouldn't open it up. Do check your shift bushings before you stick it back in.

I've never taken the shift levers off one, so I'm not sure what's keeping your's from going back on right.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.