Just out of interest, may I ask why its advised not to remove the clamp completely ? Is it just impossible to put back together or ?

UPDATE: My car was at the mechanic and they gave up after 2 days. I pulled the assembly out in their parking lot, took the pin out, reassembled and had it back in an hour flat. The drilling of the retaining pin was A PAIN. Mostly because the pin spins around. I chowdered up the sleeve that it goes into a little bit, but the clamp is holding everything in place, so I wasn't too worried about it. Started like a champ !

PS: Removing the clamp completely wasn't an issue, I spun it around just so I had a better shot seeing where the drill was landing. I am not sure if it's not an issue on this model specifically, but just wanted to mention it anyway !

Thanks again, pizzaguy !