Internal or external steering...doesnt matter. The swivel pin has to be there or there will be nothing holding the top of the gimbal/outdrive in position. The seal on the swivel pin must also be in good condition or you will take in water.

That makes sense. Another question I have is, when putting an add-on external steering kit, do you have to leave the "tiller" arm connected to the power steering ram or can it be disconnected? just trying to figure out the best way to fix the slop in my steering. in my case the slop is in the pin and tiller arm connection, there is no play in the pin and gimbal connection. thanks



been browsing the forum trying gain some knowledge on how the add-on kits work before i fork out the $ to install it on my boat. so any info you have is greatly appreciated

Just wanted to say on the JR Marine video of the disassembly that there is a wrong measurement of the trim limited from the trim ram anchor pin bolts centerline. I can careless what it measured in full trim limit from disassembly - Mercruiser OEM spec is 21 - 3/4 inches not 22 inches that the JR marine tech reported.

99 % of the time this measurement is off to begin with because most dealers and or boat manufacturers are lazy or miss this measurement to begin with plus is never checked just before the boat goes out the door. Again the correct distance full trim limit is 21.75 inches - center to center of the trim ram anchor pin bolts. This measurement is for Bravo's and the older Alphas / MR/ R
The Alpha Gen II is 20.75 inches. FYI

bump.. I am doing this right now and keep referring back to this thread.
I figured I would make it easier to find.
Waiting on parts, but I have it down to the ring, just need to do the JR part. Supposed to call him monday for him to ship.

Does anyone have a copy of the diagram so I can start drilling? email? thanks

You are correct sir. And I might add that trimming out too far really agitates the U-joints. If one of them breaks, the damage that will be done is going to be expensive.

I have a copy of it...be happy to share. email me an address and I will make a copy and have it in the mail to you this evening.

Let me put this out there as it covers almost all on my project. If anyone has questions...please ask and I will try to help you out.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...6Dn2oZUFhfpXpc

rduhon@imperialtradingDOTcom

thanks!!

email has been sent.

Thanks, I just replied to your email.

Also, did you rebuild/replace your rings? Mine dont look too bad compared to pics I have seen on worn rings?