have a 94 scarab 29ft twin 350. When putting it away for winter i found the gimbal ring was cracked. i am getting ready to do the job and just want to know if i need to align the lower unit and how to do gimbal bearing while i have it appart. any info on how to do this would be helpful Thanks

You will need a puller to get the gimbal bearing out. Then an installer to knock the new one in. You should align the grease hole in the bearing with the grease hole in the transom assembly when installing the new bearing. Then, you will need to check the alignment with an alignment tool. The engine may still be in line, but I would bet the eye ball in the gimbal bearing will be off.

http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalbearing2.htm

Alining the bearing makes it soooo much easier. I wouldn't try putting the drive back on without doing it. You can buy the tool on ebay dirt cheap. They even sell the bearing drivers and seal drivers cheap to.

Having the right tools for this job is a must! I would change them out about 3-4 times a season and it was a breeze with the proper tools. While removing one for the first time out of a new gimbal would require a bit more force. I have removed them from ones that were a few seasons old and I can tell you; you don't want to use a cheap $ss slide hammer from harbor freight!

slide hammers are always good to have if ya don't have one...but the merc install tool may not be worth buying. after you have it out maybe take it up to a dealer and have them install the new ones. PLUS they can b tricky to install and some damage the bearings installing them. it's a real mess if that bearing blows!!! they will also have the alignment tool as well.

hope my .02 helped ya

ps...you have external steering?
i would take a serious look at why it broke too!?!
the surrounding parts are most likely all clapped out on both drives.

I sell the tools on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/280640992607...fvi%3D1&_rdc=1
Click on my Ebay store by my username to see everything.
If you want anything send me your email and I can knock of 10% if we go straight thru Paypal.

You've got some cool tools there. Good Christmas presents for me!

Kurt

I agree great tools to have...

I would recommend getting an alignment tool from Whoya - it will make life easier.

Also - I would consider putting the gimbal bearing in backwards. That way if you ever have one go bad you can just pop it out with a screwdriver and slide the new one in. A bunch of people on here will say not to do it that way but I have had mine in that way for hundreds of hours with no issues as do MANY other people.

I am not 100% sure but I swear the new ones are sealed and
are no longer greasable

if you never done a gimbal ring job its not to be taken lightly. if this boat sees any type of high speeds and you install parts incorrectly you could have a seriuos problem. i also recommend you remove the transom assy from the boat to do the job correctly. if this is a bravo and you do the job on the boat you are going to have a helluva time drilling and tapping the 2 holes in the housing to remove the upper swivel pin. the housing is about 3/4 to a inch thick up there. i have done dozens of these jobs and have done them both ways and removing the transom assembly is the best and easiest way. for the most part tool wise you need a gimbal bearing puller,bearing installer,hinge pin tool,feeler gauge,alignment tool, torque wrench, waterhose insert tool,possibly a swivel pin puller if it's frozen in the gimbal ring, and the driver tool for the bellows ring inside the bellhousing, and of course numerous hand tools. good luck but if you have no mechanical background i would consider bringing it to a qualified. mercruiser mechanic.