1996 mercury 40 hp 4 cyl.shift shaft connection

[hammerhandle]

Looking at replacing water pump but don't see where the shift shaft connection is located. I see the rod under the motor head near the transom and when I shift from F_N_R I don't see a connection point. Not sure where to look? my repair manual says when reinstalling lower unit to line up the shafts and that's it.any help is appreciated.

 

[racerone]

There is a splined connection I believe.-----Nothing to disconnect with a wrench !