big tip - put it in reverse first. A problem removing the lower unit on etec here is it should be placed into reverse before attempting to drop. There is something called a detent spring in your shifter that uses a spring and a ball bearing to allow it to shift back into fwd gear. If you pull out the lower etec unit in neutral, that spring will pop loose and then after you replace your waterpump let's say and put it back together, you will be puzzled why the damn thing will not get into gear.
big tip - put it in reverse first. A problem removing the lower unit on etec here is it should be placed into reverse before attempting to drop. There is something called a detent spring in your shifter that uses a spring and a ball bearing to allow it to shift back into fwd gear. If you pull out the lower etec unit in neutral, that spring will pop loose and then after you replace your waterpump let's say and put it back together, you will be puzzled why the damn thing will not get into gear.