any Secret helpful hints on installing Lower units?

[Valero2.5]

I have paid my dues and need to know some steps other guys do to get lower unit on, i think usually the water tube is my big issue, i turn driveshaft in small increments and eventually it lines up, i keep it in neutral, my gf helped yestedray to align shifter and that was a mess since it would not line up for first time, so any hints on a step by step, my used plastic alignment tube for water tube was not holding it in place to good so i shimmed it and we got it in, but Dannng.
JIM

[transomstand]

Don't let it fall on your foot, it hurts like hell.

[transomstand]

Thing I like to do is get one or two strong bungees ready then slide it up and hook em around the can so they hold the weight, then you can concentrate on your alignments before you slide it all the way in.

[Valero2.5]

wow, yes, i have replaced lower in water on the lift, that is a great idea to give arms a rest, wow, Thanks!

[gary slagle]

Leave in forward, trim motor as far up as possible , remove lower, service lower, re assemble ,PROP SLID ON TO SHAFT SO YOU CAN ALIGN DRIVE SHAFT (IN GEAR), MOTOR TRIMMED UPP CAUSE IT'S EASIER TO SLIDE TOGETHER THAN DEAD LIFTING THE LOWER & TRYING TO ALIGN WITH 1 HAND. :thumbsup: DONT FORGET TO GREASE SHIFT SHAFT , DRIVE SHAFT & ALL STUDS.

[Valero2.5]

thanks, i was using neutral, great ideas! esp. greasing

[slowaction420]

I put a needle vice grip on the shift shaft and some times I glue in the guide tube or use Grease to hold in place get it up then hold firm with one hand and reach up and turn flywheel with the other till it lines up the put in front bolt and rear nut 1st to hold up evenly new loc nuts every few times it come on and off is a must and check shifting prior to launch

[FMP]

Don't do it outside during the spring black fly season. It could be one of those times the thing refuses to make good in two seconds and turns into ten minutes of inhaling and spitting the f ing things.

[Valero2.5]

yes, thanks, that has been my issue, it has not shifted right, i get neutral, and forw. no problem turning prop shaft ... but when put in reverse i get prop shaft not wanting to turn either direction, it locks like in gear but am wondering if lower unit ok, why does not turn one way as forward does when in gear... i purchased online? 2/3 shifting ok. (forward and neutral)

[Valero2.5]

:iagree: