i saw a write up today on shift **** removing, it said to just turn the **** counter clockwise and if it doesn't work, use a wrench. i was told that was a bad idea in another thread, is it?

 

It does put alot of stress on the shifter assembly. It is best to put a wrench on the shifter and the **** and then turn opposite to each other. That eliminates the stress of twisting the shifter and possibly causing damage.

 

well, lets say a certain someone attempted to twist off his shift **** really hard when he first got his car, he would know if he damaged his tranny right?
hypothetically speaking ofcource

 

it's not a bad idea as long as you put something over the boot area, to protect it from getting chewed up by the wrench etc...
on some 350z's you have to do this in order to get the **** off, since some of the cars came with an over-use of thread lock on the shifter.