Gimball pin question
 

My gimball ring pin were changed for the oem merc steel pin for many hundreds each... What about those for sale on ebay made of stainless for 125$? Is stainless steel harder than the oem steel pin? If so, why even use softer oem steel pin much more expensive? Anyone used the stainless pin? What are the results on the long term?
Question only for my curiosity since my gimball are all redone oem, but i would like to know

Also, wondering what oil brand and grade mercruiser suggest to use for drive trim pump? I would like to have some spare oil just in case i ever need some on the water.

Thanks!

Mmm...

IDK what kind of steel merc use's or what kinda of SS the ebay ones are but typical SS is a lot softer then just plan mild steel.

If they are using a 303-304 it wont rust but its soft and relatively cheap to machine! 316 is harder then mild steel, has amazing corrosion capabilities but is a PITA to machine and is very expensive.

On the otherend of the scale is some D2 tool steel which can be hardened to 68rc.

Knowing merc and that part, it cant cost much over a few bucks to make!!!

The $125 eBay pins work great. We have a tone of them in boats from 400hp to 1000hp

JR Marine pin and U bolt!!!!!!

Just did these to mine. Very nice pieces and Ron is awesome.

http://www.jrmarine.com/products/2000.htm

http://www.jrmarine.com/products/3017.htm

Same here, just did mine a couple months go. JR's pin is more expensive than the eBay stainless cause it is made of 174-PH stainless not 304 like the other eBay SS pins. Not sure if that really matters especially for my mild application but Ron was so helpful and passionate about helping me repair my gimbal correctly I didn't mind. That is very rare for me cause I can admit I'm a cheapass and will be the first to buy the china knockoff to save a few bucks.