How do you take the damn thing out? Also, if I were to get an aftermarket one for my R, how much would I be looking at and what brand? Until I know how to get this peice off, my car remains on jacks, so responses needed! Thanks!

 

Can you be more specific on wich linkage you are talking about. The is two arms under the car. One is connected to the pivoting point of the shifter. The other one is connected at the end of the shifter.
From the service manual I have in front of me, the only place to disconnect that is not visible is at the connection to the tranny, where there is a rubber boot. You have to push the rubber boot toward the front of the car, there is a clip under the boot that you need to remove and that holds a spring pin in place, when you remove the spring pin, the linkage should slide off.

Good luck