About to start rear end swap... a few questions?

How do you get that e-brake cable off?? URGH!!
I can't get that thing off!

Also... I was going to take the 8 1/4 axle out, and I saw that there is a gold clip in the case that seems to be holding the axle in place. Is there a way to got that clip out so the axle can come out?

I'm kind of stuck :(

Thanks a lot!