The is really simple, about a 2 out of 10 in difficulty. I took pictures along the way and will post step by step how to fix the problem Monday. In the mean time the vice grips worked like a champ. I bought the cable, but did not feel like fooling with it for some time so i lazily kept the vice grips on for about 3 weeks. Granted I had an extra set in the truck just in case, but I would certainly deep the vice grip method to be a good patch until the cable comes in(not normally stocked).
I will agree, it is very frustrating that .03 plastic retainer deal causes failure which leaves your vehicle immobilized.
