Motorcycle Repair: Loose rear Harley transmission shift lever, clutch basket, shift lever

Question
Mike, got a 97FLHPI and read the previous post ('97) concerning the loose rear shifter lever. You indicate that the inner primary has to come off to get at the lever and affix the replacement. Now the question: Can you just loosen the screws holding the inner to the cases to get enough room to R&R, or do you have to remove all of the innards (clutch, primary chain, etc.)? Also, hasn't anyone thought of making the lever thickness just a bit less so replacement isn't such a PIA? I plan on installing a steel/chrome JIMS model to reduce the number of replacements. Thanks in advance.

Answer
If you just loosen the screws you still cant move the inner primary until you remove the clutch basket and starter. Also, when if you dont take it off you cant replace teh o-ring at the front of the motor. Since there is such a small space between the shaft and innder primary the lever would be to thin and would probably break
Good luck and happy riding
Mike