The next step outlines the removal of the shift rods and forks. First, remove the c-clip and spring from the forward side of the 5th/reverse rod. Be careful as the the spring is compressed. This relieves the tension on the 5th/reverse shift rod.
Note: depending on the year and model of your car this assembly might be slightly different. Regardless the function is the same. This spring is also the source of the dreaded "5th into reverse lock" experienced by some RX-7 and Miata owners. Basically, when shifting too quickly from 5th into neutral the spring tension combined with momentum can cause the shift rod to continue moving forward and shift the car into reverse despite the shift lever being in the neutral position resulting in the car being "locked" in reverse.
The shift rods are supported by a series of springs and steel balls, which are covered by bolts. There are three and they're shown below.
Underneath each bolt you'll find the spring and steel ball:
Note: the spring for the 5th/reverse shift rod is slightly different than the other two. Be sure to keep it separate.
All bolts, springs, and balls removed:
In the picture above I've also removed a c-clip from the 1st/2nd shift rod. It fits in the groove between the shift fork and the bearing plate.
Note: here again can be some differences between models and years. My original RX-7 transmission had c-clips on the shift rods in front of the bearing plate for both 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th. The Miata set replacing everything only use a c-clip on 1st/2nd.
The next step is to drive out the roll pins holding the shift forks to the rods. Remove with hammer and punch.
Assembly note: again make sure roll pin break is aligned with direction of rod movement when reinstalling.
With the shift forks disconnected the rods can be removed in the order shown below. This is accomplished by sliding them through the bearing plate and accompanying shift fork. 1st/2nd shift rod removed:
The reason these are pulled in a specific order is because the shift rods are supported between each other with a little steel cylinder with hemispherical ends. It's barely visible in the picture below showing the interface between the 1st/2nd rod and the 3rd/4th rod.
This is the piece in question:
There are two: one between 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th and one between 3rd/4th and 5th/reverse and they are identical, but you may want to note their position anyway. My understanding is when the transmission is placed in one gear (say, 1st) that particular shift rod (1st/2nd) pushes up and down on these pieces locking the other shift rods (3rd/4th and 5th/reverse) in place to prevent multiple gear engagement. 3rd/4th shift rod removed:
Little cylinder between 3rd/4th and 5th/reverse:
Note: there may also be a smaller cylinder-like piece that sits inside a hole bored through the shift rod itself. Unfortunately I did not take a picture of this and it is not referenced in the RX-7 FSM. I can't recall if it was in the 1st/2nd or 3rd/4th rods or both. This is probably another one of the little differences between models and years. Just be careful, take your time removing everything, and keep parts for each gear pairing together.
Last is the 5th/reverse rod, which is a little different. As with the others slide the rod out through the bearing plate and fork...
...but do so slowly because there is an additional spring and ball hiding underneath:
Spring and ball removed:
Note:
be sure to keep this spring separate from the others as it's different.
Now the shift forks can be removed from their respective clutch hubs. This leaves an assembly that looks like the following:
Note my method of organization (numbers correspond to assembly order in the FSM).