Installing shifter boot

I am putting in a new upper shifter boot in my console and am having a hard time figuring how tho get the small diameter boot opening to go over the upper shifter rod where the reverse T is. Is there some way of getting the reverse T off easily? Do I just have attach the boot to the console and stretch the small boot opening over the shifter T and pray it does not rip? There is a small hole on the front of the T and I tried a hex and star but doesn't seem to loosen anything?

Thanks for any help you can offer