Jeff,
  When I had this problem, I finally used a Dremel with a cut-off
wheel to carefully carve at the socket until it got weak enough to pop
off.  As you know access is very limited.  Disconnecting the lever
from the trans might let you reposition it a little while struggling
with it.  Good luck.

Larry A.

On Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 7:38 AM, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:
> So here is my dilema.
>
> My van is an automatic - the accelerator cable connects to a "kick down
> lever" (sorry if that's not the appropriate name of the part) on the
> transmission. It is connected with a ball joinmt type connection. Cool
> right? No not cool because the socket end that is ont he end of the
> accelerator cable is completely rusted to the ball part on the lever.
>
> My fear here is that in trying to remove the socket (because I am replacing
> the accelerator cable) I will break the ball off of the lever and be right
> back where I was three years ago - trying to find a replacement peice.
>
> I currently have the part soaking in The Works (that stuff does carzy things
> to rust - if you've never tried it I suggest you do) in the hopes that it
> will remove and loosen enough rust to get that apart.
>
> So in the event that I do get it appart what do you all suggest I do to keep
> that part from completely rusting together again? I mean I can paint it with
> the "rust blocking" paint of my choice but I'm not sure that would do much
> in the long run. Also, what would you suggest I use to properly lube that
> joint?
>
> Has anyone else had this issue?
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> '90 Carat (Grover)
> '86 (We call this one Parts)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>