Well, I've started on replacing the rear main seal in my XF wagon. I've currently got to the stage where I need to remove the shifter, and then remove the gearbox.

But, I'm not sure how to go about this. The book I have talks about loosening bolts on the sump to clutchhousing braces or something. I can't see anything. Does anyone have any pictures or help they can provide. This is my main work car and I didn't expect so many problems (took me 20 mins to get onto the freaking ramps,etc etc).
Can someone please go into detail on what I should be doing from here. I've currently got everything drained (gearbox & engine oils), prop shaft removed, all gearbox attachments disconnected (speedo etc).

http://www.fordmods.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3340

http://www.fordmods.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12149

some emergency tips which might help you!!

Asuming its a manual remove the centre console to get to the gear shift from inside the car its held in by a nylon thread with metal wings that lock it in place. Then remove the stater motor and if there are no brackets from the sump to the gearbox remove the bolts around the bellhousing but suport the gearbox. Slide the box out then remove the clutch and flywheel. If ur lucky enough there will be enough room with the sump unbolted to replace the seal without lifting the motor. Its more awkward than technical.

OK Cool, I get straigt onto it tonight, hopefully I can at least get the box in and out tonight while its still daylight.

Well, after talking to 3 different mechanics that all said the box should slide straighht out, I got a mechanic mate of mine, he had to hold it up while I jimmied it out. Now we can't get it back in (were 1 foot off the ground btw, only on ramps) so I'm taking it to dad's pit at work to have a go.

Should the gearstick pivot seat area screw out at all? The manual I have says so, but I couldn't work it out, so I bent over 3 tabs to take the top plate off. But that could have been our problem, becuase if that whole assembly unscrewed we would have had more room. Ideas?

The gear stick pivot does unscrew from the top of the box. The metal tabs stop the thread from unwinding it self they only a lock but be careful the thread is nylon and easily cross threaded or striped. If u do damage the thread it can be replaced with a Mitsubishi Magna part but the gear shift will have to be cut and welded back together, Ford say that u have to buy a complete shift assembly which is very expensive.