I'm pulling my 48 single lever trans apart and having a bit of trouble. I can't get the second/high shift rail out.

This is the second rail in from the top opening, item 63 in the manual. The only thing that seems to be holding it is the detent ball at the back end of the trans but it is underneath the rail and there is no access to it with the rail in place.

I can get the front of the rail to stick out of the case about 3/4". (It slides nicely.) I tried putting a crescent wrench on the bit sticking out (there is a flat ground into the shaft there) I tried prying outward on the wrench, also tried rotating the shaft while pulling but it's just not budging. I also tried pulling on the shaft while tapping the case, hoping to "ratchet" the detent ball out of the notch in the shaft. Still no joy.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get this thing out? I don't want to break anything.

Any suggestions will be appreciated! Thank!