I can't explain why, but I had nowhere near that level of difficulty. Was able to pull each lever mechanism out, and put them back, even without unbolting cable jacket.

I think I grabbed it with some channel-locks. I recall it was easier if the lever was completely 'closed' (or 'folded over', for lack of a better term) first.

At some point, it might be easier to just order up a new lever mechanism and pin for $11 per side, then you can beat the snot out of the old ones getting them out. Mine were in rough shape anyways, and it took some time to get them to operate smoothly.

From Phil:
(#59) 201 420 05 89 Shackle $9.75 ea
(#62) 108 427 00 74 Pin $1.20

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.