I am getting ready to replace my Gimbel Ring or have it repaired by JR marine.
http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm

Anyone know of any advantages vs disadvantages of doing it the Merck way IE Drilling holes in the side of the assembly or the JR marine way IE going through the front of the assembly.

Chris

The Merc way (with the cheap plastic plugs) is a giant headache. Audiofn's Formula sunk while beached one night because of one of those crappy plugs had cracked.

The JR Marine way is a good way to go if you want a shortcut. Personally, I'd rather just pull the motor and gimbal and do it right.

The last time we did the JR Marine kit the gasket started leaking shortly after.

Like he said (Biggus). Do it right the first time. You will save yourself the possibility of a big azz headache later on. I have my complete drives (including the transom assemblies) off the boat. Replacing the gimbal rings with Max Worx ss units. My original rings are in excellent shape. If you need a pair, pm me. Rings are custom painted deep candy purple. Fresh water, low HP usage.

Ok come on guys.. I need some more opinions on this..

Chris

Mine was shot and I pulled the engine and I am replacing the whole transom assembly, Can hardly pass on the current prices, I was over half the money just buying parts to rebuild my old one.

Jim

Well, I am just finishing up replacing the starboard gimbal on my boat.

I looked on ebay and craigslist for quite a while this winter, and finally found what I considered to be a good deal on a used gimbal, swivel shaft and steering lever.

Got the stuff here and it was in very good condition.

Then, I went to borrow a friend's A-frame to pull the engine. Well, it wasn't high enough to lift the engine over the side of the boat! Luckily I measured first. Couldn't find any way to lift the engine out of the boat, so I decided to do the JR method.

I made my own plate and cut my own type of hole, though.

Replacing the swivel shaft bushings and seal was a snap, and so was removing and reinstalling the steering lever and gimbal ring.

Now that steering is as tight as a drum.

I can't believe Mercury doesn't put an access plate on the gimbal housing from the factory.

Greg

I have done it 4-5 times now with great results.
Here is a thread I started a few years ago.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...made-easy.html

Getting ready to tackle this project in a few weeks. I have decided to pull the engine instead of the JR method.

Me Too. I have never pulled engines before but I STILL think that they time required will be a push.

Pulling the engine shouldn't take you long at all. Last time I pulled mine it took me about 45 mins. I pulled the engine with everything on it. Just remember how you took the back engine mounts off so they go back on correctly