okay so earlier this year my 2000 sunfire 5 speed lost the ability for me to shift it. (constant neutral)

upon inspection i found that their was a broken metal pin in the shifting joint right below the abs unit.

the pin has to hydrolicaly forced into place in order for me to shift the car.

anyone else ever gone through this? if so what was the easiest way to get to the shifting joint? i was told dropping the transmission might be the only option, but i'm hoping for other options.

also i placed a small allen wrench in where this pin was, and it let me shift into 4th and reverse. thats how i know the broken pin was preventing me from shifting.