Rebuilding AX-15

Hey all, it's been a while since I've been on here. I'm in the process of rebuilding my AX-15. My reasons for doing so: when in 5th gear and decelerating, there was a horrible grunting noise that started 3 weeks ago, 3rd gear grinds, 2nd gear is starting to grind.

I've got the transmission pulled apart, but I'm having trouble removing the 5th gear shift rail. The manual states that I need to 'Move the shift rail forward until it clears the shift fork'. To me, that sounds like it should just slide forward, but that's not at all the case from what I've found. I've made some progress whacking a socket wrench extension into it, but it's still not out. Any hints?

Thanks,
Matt

You have all the detent balls out? I would _not_ hammer on it. Is it hanging up in the shift fork or the intermediate plate?