Lower Unit Removal, 1990, 40 HP Johnson TJ40ELESR

[77Corvette]

I'm having trouble locating and disconnecting the shift rod from the cam, so I can drop the lower unit. I can't find the shift rod. I've read that the shift rod should end below my carbs. There's nothing below my carbs. This is a VRO engine, the starter is on the port side, the VRO pump/control is on the port side. The cables and cams are on the starboard side, but the only horizontal shafts look like they go through the upper leg just below the power head and nothing in the book or on line references that, I think. Could this engine be different or am I just screwed up?

I'm completely lost, can someone straighten me out, I really need to change this non functional water pump.

thanks
steve

[boats.net]

The shift rod is located below the carburetors on the starboard side. It may be easier to follow the shift cable to the shift parts.