remove 3 cyl lower unit

[luvthelake]

i have a 1988 70 hp evinrude and i want to change the water pump. i have been looking at the clymer manual which is not much help. it looks to me like you have to remove the vro pump in order to get to the shift rod. what is the best way of getting the shift rod disconnected on this engine? and i read that you have to set the shift rod height when reinstalling it, what should the height be? any other tips will be greatly appreciated.
thanks