Scirocco Register

I changed all the bushes and linkages under the car. But I held off doing the gear stick ball joint . Because I read a post on another site saying if you undo the ball joint housing inside the car something will fall off under the car! is this true? or can ( as it would appear by the haynes manual)I slide all the components off up the gearstick with any need to get under the car?
i only want to change the gearstick ball joint .

Bit the bullet and went for it. Turns out its easy. All done from inside no drama. Though don't forget to put the big spring inside the ball.

Glad it went ok... might have a go at mine now as I’ve only ever changed the bushed around the gearbox end. ;-D

Eddie
What brand gear lever ball joint did you use?

And did you have noticeable wear in your old one?