Hey Everyone. I know removing 5th gear is a real problem for people trying to rebuild their transmissions. I was able to come up with a reasonable solution for those with a press. I have a 12 Ton Harbor Freight press nothing fancy. Pictures below show my setup. Went and purchased two foot-long pieces of 1.5x1.5x3/8" angle iron (less than $20). Used some 2" square tubing (1/8" thickness) I had laying around as cross bar supports. I was able to slide the angle iron under the gear. The output shaft bearing-housing-plate gets in the way but you just have to turn the mid-plate and it clears.

The gear popped out nicely. Hope this helps anyone in the future.