Hi
I have two problem with disassembling lower gear unit of III SSM Mercruiser and unfortunately I have not access to its service manual book.
1-
There is difficulty in removing two vertical shafts.
I create special tool to jack up these shafts but it didn't work (this tool jack up these shaft just about 3 millimeter) and it blocked. this make me suspicious that there might be some sort of fixing parts preventing removal of these vertical shafts.
2-
How can I disassemble the nose tip of lower gear unit to access propeller shaft ? is it threaded or pressed in ?

It will be appreciated if anyone can help me.
thanks

The best thing to do would be to order a manual off Ebay. I found mine for $20 since is was in a binder and had a bunch of greasy finger prints on it.

The front tip of the lower case is threaded in. The plastic plug needs to be driven out so you can use a special socket (or make a tool) to unscrew the tip.

From there I dont remember since I haven't had to go through mine yet.