What's the easiest/safest way to remove the shift **** on a 6MT? I know it unscrews but it seems like the force is excessive.

 

It's not an easy task since it's pretty tight, but here's a link to a thread showing how-to.

 

I installed a dark blue Sparco shifter **** on my 6 speed m/t last night...just follow other members instructions and it's not hard.
Use a pair of vice grips under the **** well down on the shifter linkage...(protect with cloth or leather) and unscrew the ****, I used large channel locks...once you break it free just spin it off. The leather boot has a plastic ring around the top where it sits under the existing ****, if you put on a smaller diameter **** (bottom) I would remove this ring (you'll see what I mean). I just used a wire tie to hold the leather boot to the linkage under the new shifter ****...looks and feels good.

Frit-z

Good luck...should only take 30 - 60 minutes or so.