Bear in mind though that is done on a MCMike has a full length shaft for the lift up mechanism - if its like mine you cannot remove the whole item.
Ive got a lift up collar about half the length, and the way round it was to fit a replacement collar underneath it (i used one of these;
http://www.lappusa.com/11012description.htm they should be available from an electrical supplier, and its jut the right size to sit at the top of the gear lever, but not slide down to far (past where the base of the spring would sit).
Then i stuck a very small self tapping screw through the side of this, and attached the lift up cable to this screw, and secured it with a washer. Works a treat!
If anyone is interested ill get some pictures up, but it is useful as it means youre not limited to lift up reverse gear knobs...)