hey guys here is my concern. i did not change the hight of the engine it as left as stock. i raised the box as high as i can 2 inc. so the bering in the box is higher by 2 inc then the F WHEEL. the shaft that conected between the F WHEEL and the box is not strait it conected in sort of an angel. my concern is ,when i will conect the drive saver it will shorten the shaft and it will increse the angel that the shaft is conected. is it safe to run like that or should i lower the box and go with a shorty 2".

454ho, yes I got mine from Teague Marine for about $225 each.

Marty, I can't say for sure that you'll need a Drive Saver, but it seems to me that if Merc uses a drive coupler on all their engines/drivelines that it is probably for a pretty good reason. The Stellings box DOES come with a coupler, but it is a metal coupler that is roughly the same size as the Drive Saver. You will still need to utilize the metal coupler in conjunction with the Drive Saver---at least that is the way I was told because if I remember correctly it doesn't say so in the instructions that come with the Drive Saver. Why Stellings doesn't include a Drive Saver or a better shock absorbing coupler of some sort when purchasing one of their extension boxes I don't know, but I sure think they should! Anyway, the Bravo One drive needs all the support it can get so I figured with the power that I am running and all the other factors, that I should have some sort of shock aborbing and dampening effect within my drive line.

fast 252, Good question! I don't really know enough about the question you're asking to answer it acurately or with any degree of intellengence. Cord usually has a pretty good handle on the kind of stuff you're asking about.

252-"technically" you are currently exceeding the drive shaft angle limits. The harm will show up as a vibration that may or may not be felt. This vibration is from the joint binding everytime it rotates 180 degrees. The damage will proably show up as excellerated wear. That's the technical explanation that Stellings will give you. My gut says that you are proably OK. Just keep an eye on the joints for fatigue and wear. Sure hate to have one of those let go as it could result in your boat sinking!

Anyways, yes by adding the spacer the angles will become more acute. However, it will only be a fraction of a degree. Miniscule. I think that the advantage of the drive saver would be worth the minor change in angle.

BTW-I don't think the drive saver functions like the stock rubber coupler. Admittedly, I'm not real familiar with it, so I could be wrong. I thought that it was more like a shear coupler that would fail if the drive struck a immovable object. Kinda like spinning your coupler. It's a one time deal.

As to why it wasn't added when the box was designed...well, I don't think it occured to him. He was obviously faced with the task of connecting the driveshaft to the engine and there is no way the stock coupler could be made to work. It took another brain with no preconceived requirements to come up with the idea.

i have a a very informative conversetion with one of teuge technition we looked at all the aspects of this angel and it looks ok . cord sure i will take your advice and i will be very carefull with the joints and by the way i think i have to look for a good deal on a imco shorty.