I had to repair the gimbal ring last season and while I was at it replaced everything, belows and upper and lower swivel shafts. I used JR Marines method (plate kit) rather then pulling the motor and was very happy with the results. Their SS swivel shaft was much cheaper then Mercs and wont rust like Mercs. I highly recommend their products, their method, and Ron is only a phone call away every step of the way. I probably called him 10 times in the disassembly and reassembly since I had never done any of this before.