Pull the manifolds and check for rust. My 99 looked good on top, but had a "lil" rust on bottom and ended up leaking 4 times out for new owner. Replace if needed, stock is cheap, or I think 496 take offs work as well.

Check/replace all senders while its out or at least check connections. If not touched since new, they are probably a bit rusty as well.

As for slop, check cable for slack also. Then change swivel pin, U bolt and rebuild ring and replace all seals and shims, bellows, etc.

Grease u joint on drive, check/replace gimbal bearing as well.

I think that covers everything I would ahve done to my 99 25ol (454 mag) if i would have taken out.

Add Flush kit? always hate jumping out to change muffs... now I have to do it twice!

Second this. Ron at jr marine is the best and will take good care of you. I had a lot of slop in my Baja drives and it was where the square is cut in the gimbal for the steering shaft so both gimbal rings needed to be replaced.

Will do

Had the boat 2 seasons now. 330 hours on it. Runs fantastic other than the sloppy drive. Definitely replacing the bilge pump and float switch since the motor will be out. Good scrub of the bilge will happen as well. Not sure if the drain pan has a drain hose or not. Been pulling the oil out thru the stick. Good advice on the starter. Not sure when it has been replace. Impeller just replaced at the beginning of the season.

Outlaw if it turns out you need a transom aysimbly I have a very tight one. Just FYI