Any tips on getting around shifter shaft 2000 dyna

I'm removing the inner primary and ran into a problem of getting around the shifter shaft to be able to lock up the compensator/clutch so I can remove them. It's a 2000 dyna superglide that's got a leaking inner seal. I'm quite capable as a mechanic and have good tools but am getting beaten be a shifter tube. Lol. any tips would be greatly appreciated and tried