Re: 2001 115 johnson gearcase removal ?
I believe that most of the 115 models for that year had a clip in the shift lever that you pull out on the starboard side, then you push the shift lever towards the port side to release the shift rod.
Give your model number if that is not correct.
my motor is similar and the book says to:
rotate the propeller and shift the grearcase into FORWARD
then remove the shift rod retaining pin( hitch pin)
then push the shift rod link towards the powerhead( towards port) to clear the shift rod
remember once you get the lower unit off...dont rotate the shift rod!!
good luck
bob