If there is no collar, it's going to be the early type. The shift handle and the metal stem are one piece. First position the lever so its 90degrees in 3 or D depending on you tranny type then break the spring free by hitting the top with rubber mallet or wrap the knob in cloth and use a hammer. Place your whole body weight on the assembly to push it down. When it moves down (not before) by about 1/4 inch twist the whole assembly counter clockwise. It will release into you hand. The trickiest part is pushing it down. The spring is really hard to defeat.