Would someone be better off getting all new bearings for a lower unit from Merc or Timken? They are the same bearing as far as I can tell. Anyone have the Timken part #'s?

Thanks,
Frank

I rebuilt both of my lowers and bought the bearings at either, as strange as it may sound,Autozone or my local bearing/seal supplier, depending on who had what in stock. Why pay Merc 5x more for a standard over the counter auto part?
Just match the number on the bearings and cups for the exact match. There are different class fits (tolerances) for the same sized bearing, so need to match the # completely and exactly.

I believe only the lower needle bearing for the verticle shaft has to be thru Merc. The rest are standard bearings. All were Timkens.

You do need a couple of setup tools to get the heights and backlash correct.

Your local Napa has several of the lower unit bearings. If they are not in stock they can have them the next day.