Posting the photo above... looks like a damn cold sore lol
As per a prior post - it is difficult to remove the shifter linkage on an X-drive - Manual transmission as the transfer case is in the way. There is not much visibility and some long tools need to be used such as a long screwdriver, long pliers, long pry bar and lots of lighting to see between the transmission & tunnel.
The Transfer box
The two upper clipping points for the shifter linkage
I noticed a lot of people with RWD tend to update their shifter linkage to a stiffer bracket in addition to a short shifter. I'm considering that... but I believe the bracket is plenty rigid... updating from the oem shifter may not be necessary.