T5 inspection plate

Hi all- I am trying to remove the inspection plate on a T5 transmission from a '83 CJ7. The plate seems to be attached to the shift rod or I missed a fastener or something. The reason I want to remove the plate is to address some binding in the shift rod. The shifter will go front to back easily but side to side (neutral) is impossible with the shifter and very difficult with the shifter removed and operated with large cheater. I see there are some indents under the shift rod where a ball bearing and spring might go. Could this be the problem area? Any assistance or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dan