Well I just kept playing around and finally wedged a small (about 8" long) pry bar (heel type, MAC P/N LF6) between the gear teeth and plastic housing rotating it counter colckwise. That did it, was a bit bit leery about over stressing the leverage on the plastic cover. BTW this site rocks! I wish I could find one for my Chevy 2002 Silverado 2500HD.
pete