The spring loaded piece is the park lever. The rod has a cone shaped end on it that lifts the lever when pulled. That end of the rod is not attached to anything. When pushed it allows the lever to drop down and engage the teeth on the output shaft causing it to be locked in palce known as park position. When you pull the rod the lever will raise up. The reason for turning the yoke a little is to take any pressure off the lever. Try pushing the rod in a little bit and then pull harder. There is nothing attached to the other end oif the rod and there should be no reason for it not to pull out.