I have heard there is a difference in the gimble bearing between a xr and a regular bravo 1 . if this is so can I install the bearing for the xr in anticipation of a upgrade ? Or is there a difference in the inside diameter , where the driveshaft would be installed into ?

There is a Merc conversion kit for upgrading from a regular Bravo to an XR. It includes a different gimbal bearing.

what i would like to know though is ,can I still run the bravo 1 for the rest of the year with the xr style bearing or is the id .or something else different that wouldn't allow it ?

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe that the Xr bearing has added clearance for the bigger U joints. The shaft diameter I believe is the same if memory serves me correctly. Also I think the real late model bravo transom assemblies have the bearing that will work on all of the bravos, however I dont recall what year that started for sure.. hope it helps.. Jamie / Lakeside

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