shifter gasket leak

I have a 93 v-6 5 speed s-10. leaks transmission oil from the gasket in between the shifter and the top of the transmission. Upon taking the 4 bolts off, is there anything there I need to disconnect to remove the shifter or does it come off automatically. Once the four bolts are off does it slide off pretty easily. Also is there anything I would have to realign on assembly. Sticker on shifter housing says to put in 3rd or 4th gear to avoid damaging the shift bias (whatever that is ). Should I put it in 3rd or 4th or will neutral work okay. Kind of worried, never removed a shifter and dont know what's attached to it underneath or how it will look. Manual does show anything under the shifter, only shows top view. I just dont want to make it any worse.