Just got my starboard engine back in. Went to install drive and I can get in all but the last inch approximately. Boat is formula 311 with trs drives. I have searched the forums but am still a little fuzzy as to what is going on. The boat has offshore mounts that were installed right back where they were at. So frustrated, have been off the water since memorial day due to snapped crank, just ready to get it done. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Stack some pieces of 2x12 or plywood to stand the drive on so it is the right height to be aligned with the bell housing studs. Them things are to heavy to try to lift on. Hold the u-joints in between there to get the input shaft going in the right direction. Pull your hand out and as you push the drive on have someone else turn the prop back and forth slightly so the splines line up and it should pop in when they align.

Transmission tail stock is centered in the gimble assembly so your engine alighnment should have nothing to do with it. Sometimes their just a *****.

I currently have it lifted by the lifting eye on the upper with a cherry picker. It looked like it was balanced well but this is my first time going back together with it. Seems like I am getting the shaft through the bearing but the u-joints are maybe holding me back? Thanks for the advice I will continue to fight it this morning. I am curious about the string trick others have mentioned. I could see how that would help help pick the joints up..... Frustrating....

Got it! Had to raise the cherry picker up to where the drive and transom assembly appeared to be in neutral position then slightly lift up on rear of cavitation plate while pushing forward and turning prop slowly. It slid right in!

Get her on the water little buddy