Whats up!?

I just bought an 87 samurai a few days back and recently just purchased the sloppy shifter kit and transfer case bushing. However, I ran into some trouble with my transfer case. This 20 min job is turning into hours. I really don't want to drop the t case.

When I look down at the silver ring around the bottom of the shift lever. It does NOT have a slot notched on either side for me to push down and turn counter clockwise.

I’ll attach a picture of what it should look like and a picture of what mine looks like.

Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks,
Trevor
trevj|removethispart|@ymail.com

Here’s my transfer case in the first picture

That's odd.
Instead of using screwdrivers and trying to push down and turn it from the top, how about laying under the samurai and reaching up around the transfer case and using your fingers to push down and twist the retainer. I've used that method before and usually found it easier than doing it from the top side.