I'm getting ready to do my annual drive service. Has anyone used/made a tool that keeps the input shaft straight for installation. I've had mixed to bad results with the makeshift rods etc. that I've used before. Thanks in advance. -Jeff

If the cross bearings are worn it is difficult. With new cross bearings the yoke will almost stand on its own.

you can use masking tape on them and the tape falls off 1st time u put it in gear, just drops into bellows, no harm. also it's alot easyer if you can get an engine hoist to help hold the drive up by the lifting ring ontop, frees up both hands

Drop the nose of the trailer down so that the boat sits level. I have found that doing this makes it much easier to install a trs drive

Like Jim says the U joints are worn. I would put some new ones in now while ya got the drives off. Easier install plus no chance of U joint failure in the near future.

Lots of masking tape keeps it strait.

I always laugh when I pull a drive off and find masking tape all gummed up with grease in where it should not be. Get Merc cross bearings and do not trust auto parts stuff.

thanks guys; I was tempted to use masking tape last time around but chickened out at the last minute. I think I'll go for the new joints. are the permanently sealed ones worth using, Jim? - Jeff

I like the greaseable ones if you have a choice. Not sure if they supersede. I would have to look.

Jim, don't bother to look; I'll use the greaseable type; really appreciate all the help. - Jeff