Hi Guys I have a bravo x3 drive that I just found a broken tooth on the lower gear of the upper case. I would like to know if I can change these gears to a XR gear set or do I have to put the X3 gear set back in. Also is this a big job. I was thinking of doing it myself. I am a mechanic and not afriad of doing the work, just not sure If it pays with the special tools and manual I would have to buy for this one time job.

Yes, the XR gears will fit right in an X drive. Not a big job, and the tools needed will depend on how old your drive is.

I'm a budget minded boater, and like to do as many things myself as possible. My '06 Bravo 1 is not currently in need of anything, but who knows what the future will bring. When the time comes, I would like to be prepared. What are the "special tools" a guy needs to change out the gears in an outdrive, roughly what it the cost of them, and where would a guy pick them up? The manual, I'm sure, would need to come direct from Merc., right?

You can download the merc service manuals for free off the internet..and they will list any special tools you will need.

I bought all the tools to rebuild bravos and have had to rebuild both my lower units so far. Money well spent as the labor would have cost me 3x what I spent on tools. 50 hours and still smooth as silk.

If you keep your boat long enough, it will NEVER be a "one time job"

XR gears are Junk .....