The "red stuff" is high-end, extreme pressure, high-tempsynthetic grease.[/align][/align]You can clean it out if you like, however you'll need to replace it with something similar...[/align][/align]

 

I think i'll just leave it right in there lol

 

I installed my mgw last weekend ,and just backed off the stops all the way to the edge of the base and tightened the nut ,instead of taking them out. As long as you get the nut tight,the bolt wont go anywhere and you wont have to worry about finding something to go in its place... The install should only take about 30 minutes or so. I wouldnt use a pry bar to remove the old shifter. Just put the handle back on and pop it with your hand to one side kinda hard and it will come loose.

 

Have you put your shifter in yet? How'd everything go?