Thanks for the illustrations and guiding me through this.........I'll let you know how things work out.....by the way, where did you find those outdrive illustrations?

I`d replace the bellows if you`re already in there .

Ive pulled drives probably 20 times . That gear oil smell I hate it !!

Your video makes short work of that!
I have a service manual for SSM. If there is anything you need just shoot me a message and I can scan it to you.

Wow! He made it look so easy, he still had on his pajamas !

That would be a great help, Appreciate your offer!

Some more pages

Well, I got the pesky oil hose out today.....difficult but done! ~ it was a metal braided hose which made it really difficult to get out.
Also rusted at both ends to the nipples had to shear it in half just to unscrew the bolts holding it.....Thanks to all!

Just an update, the #3 outdrive is not aligned with the transmission. Initially the drive parted pretty easy with the gimble housing but now to put back together is a *****!
So trying to see where it is misaligned or hitting, I put as wade of grease on the tip of the spline and pushed it in as far as it would go, and it's hitting high at 11 to 12 o'clock
Apparently, the forces of a misaligned tranny to outdrive was not obvious until it was separated.......I need the engine to come up 1/4 to 1/2".....some say to align it now you
need to loosen front motor mounts?.....I'm thinking the opposite, raise the engine at the tranny? ......anybody have thoughts or knowledge would appreciate your thoughts!

What do you mean not aligned? How did you come to that conclusion?

How did I come to this conclusion? ......the alignment tool does not run parallel to the centerline of the engine coupler. in fact, it so out of alignment
the tool doesn't even enter the splined steel hub ....put a ton of grease at the end of the tool just to see where an impression would mark the tip.
1/4" high at 12 o'clock......makes the couple a 1/4" higher than the gimble bearing.