Power door lock actuator removal on 1989 Ranger

[WhiteLX]

Anyone have tips on how to remove the power door lock actuators from an 89 Ranger? I have drilled out the rivet and removed the mounting bracket, but I cannot get the tip of the actuator out of the lever on the latch mechanism. The manual says to swing the actuator towards the front and twist, but even with vise grips on the rod I can't twist it out. The actuators have failed so I'm not too concerned about damaging them.

 

[Die.Fledermaus]

I tried this once, gave up and used after market plungers.

I think the secret is to push that plastic bushing out of the door side of the rod in the linkage. Of course how to swing the rod was beyond me.

 

[WhiteLX]

I ended up unscrewing the latch and that allowed enough movement to disconnect the rod

 

[Die.Fledermaus]

Neat. I did recycle the rear hatch lock with 100% success.
I don't regret using the aftermarket kit as it has a master + slave arrangement. So the drivers door locks/unlocks all three and I have no switches.